- Goi Lake drained in search for missing Babita Pandey.
- No clues found despite extensive efforts by multiple teams.
- Search expanded to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
The search for Babita Pandey, 24, who mysteriously disappeared during the Dayara Bugyal trek, has entered another crucial phase after authorities failed to find any clues in Goi Lake. The lake was drained using two high-capacity water pumps, but the operation yielded no evidence related to the missing trekker.
The Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Disaster Management Department began emptying the lake last Wednesday following suspicion that Babita's mobile phone or personal belongings might have fallen into the water. Despite days of effort by the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and disaster management teams, no trace of her has been found.
According to the officials, the search operation is set to be expanded to caves in order to find traces of a bear attack.
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Missing Since May 29
Babita Pandey, an MBA student and a resident of Ramnagar in Nainital district, disappeared on the night of May 29 while on a trek near Dayara Bugyal. Her last location was reported to be at least 200 metres below the Goi base camp.
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Immediately after the disappearance was reported, a large-scale search operation was undertaken by the teams of district police, SDRF, Disaster Management Department and Forest Department.
An initial search was conducted for almost two weeks with the participation of the Army personnel and personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Helicopters were used to conduct the aerial survey of the Dayara region, but Babita could not be traced in the widespread search. Investigators had also launched the search with an investigation of CCTV footage, information gathered through surveillance and the location of her mobile.
Fresh Search Fails to Yield Clues
On June 22, police, along with the SDRF and the Disaster Management Department's QRT, launched a fresh search operation. As part of the renewed efforts, Goi Lake was drained after investigators suspected that Babita's phone or other belongings might be inside the water body.
District Disaster Management Officer Shardul Gusain said the lake was thoroughly searched, but no evidence linked to Babita was recovered. Earlier, divers had also searched the lake without success.
Officials said search teams are continuing combing operations in the surrounding forests and are even inspecting bear dens in the area in the hope of finding any clues.
Search Extended Beyond Dayara Bugyal
Police have now expanded the investigation beyond the trekking region. According to officials, a separate team has been sent to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun to explore all possible leads.
Authorities said every available resource, including technical surveillance and ground searches, is being used to trace Babita Pandey, while the search operation continues.