Mystery Surrounds Missing MBA Student in Uttarkashi Trekking Incident

A 23-year-old MBA student, Babita Pandey, has been missing for five days during a trek in Uttarkashi, raising serious concerns. Following allegations of negligence against the trekking agency 'Pro Mountain,' police have detained two of her friends for questioning. A large-scale search operation involving multiple agencies is underway, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs. Babita's family is deeply worried and has called for urgent action from authorities. This incident highlights the importance of safety and regulations in trekking activities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 12:24 IST

Concerns Rise Over Missing Student in Uttarkashi

A shocking and alarming incident has emerged for trekking enthusiasts in Uttarkhand. A 23-year-old MBA student has been missing under mysterious circumstances for the past five days while trekking on the renowned Dayara Bugyal trail in Uttarkashi. Following serious allegations of negligence and fraud, local authorities have adopted a stringent stance on the matter. The missing student has been identified as Babita Pandey, hailing from Nainital district. In connection with this high-profile case, police have detained two of Babita's friends who accompanied her on the trek, and a well-known trekking agency is now under scrutiny.

Investigation Unfolds as Authorities Question Trekking Agency

On Wednesday, officials revealed that questions are being raised regarding the role of a trekking agency after the disappearance of the 23-year-old student last month in Uttarkashi. Babita Pandey, who was trekking with two friends, has not been seen since they began their journey. According to police reports, Babita, a resident of Nainital, stayed in Raithal village on May 28, as captured by CCTV footage. The following day, they commenced their trek to Dayara Bugyal and spent the night at the Goi base camp, but Babita went missing from the camp.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that the trekking agency 'Pro Mountain' had sent the trio on the trek using a 'fake permit.' K.K. Joshi, the district tourism officer of Uttarkashi, stated that Babita and her friends did not possess a valid digital permit on the official tourism portal 'Explore Uttarkashi.'

Trekking Agency's Registration Suspended Amid Fraud Allegations

Further investigations revealed that 'Pro Mountain' had violated government revenue regulations. Consequently, the trekking agency's registration has been suspended with immediate effect due to the fraud allegations.

Friends Detained for Questioning

Additionally, police have taken Babita's two friends into custody for questioning. They have been identified as Harmanpal Singh from Udham Singh Nagar and Harmanpreet Singh from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Alongside them, police are also interrogating the guides from the trekking agency and other officials involved.

Massive Search Operation Underway

Meanwhile, a large-scale search operation is in progress, involving the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, forest department, and disaster management personnel.

A total of 150 personnel are participating in this operation, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs to locate Babita. Her family has expressed deep concern over her disappearance and has requested information from the agencies. Babita's father, Gopal Pandey, told reporters on Tuesday, "If there were any news, we would have received it by now. It has been five days. I urge the administration to expedite the search operation. Everyone is very worried. Her mother and brother are also distressed."