Auckland (Avneet Kaur) An Australian family is desperately searching for answers after a Melbourne-based school teacher mysteriously disappeared during a visit to Punjab, with his and family and relatives fearing he may have met with foul play.
Sunil Sharma, a 66-year-old Australian citizen originally from India, had travelled to Amritsar to prepare a property for sale ahead of his retirement.
According to family members, Sharma had been staying at the property while renovation and painting work was underway before the planned sale.
His daughter said the family last spoke with him on Friday, after which all communication suddenly stopped.
Concern grew further after relatives in India were unable to locate either Sharma or his vehicle.
Family members said one of his friends in India later alerted local authorities, triggering a police search operation in Punjab.
The situation has become more complicated after reports emerged that another close relative who was reportedly seen at the property around the same time also could not initially be contacted.
Investigators are also understood to be speaking with individuals connected to the possible sale of the property as part of ongoing inquiries.
At this stage, Indian authorities have not officially confirmed any criminal involvement, and investigations remain ongoing.
Sharma’s daughter described the situation as emotionally overwhelming, saying the family has been left struggling with uncertainty while waiting for updates from officials.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular support to the family of an Australian citizen reported missing in India.
The family said they are receiving updates through Australian diplomatic channels, while international authorities have also reportedly been informed about the disappearance.
Despite mounting concern, Sharma’s children have reportedly decided not to travel to India immediately due to safety concerns surrounding the case.
Family members say they remain hopeful he will be found safe, but admit each passing day without answers is becoming increasingly difficult.
