An Australian teacher who vanished in India has been found dead, and authorities say his brother is the main suspect in what appears to be a property-related crime. Sunil Sharma, a math teacher from Melbourne, disappeared on May 22 after traveling to Amritsar, located in the north-western state of Punjab.
Local police reported early Sunday that their investigation indicates Sharma was allegedly murdered over a property dispute. Four suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the case. Officers believe that Satish Sharma, Sunil’s brother, may have added sleeping pills to his drink before attacking him with a baseball bat.
Authorities are still searching for Sunil’s body, which is believed to have been discarded in a nearby canal. His daughter, Surbhi, revealed that her uncle and others allegedly forged documents and sold properties belonging to Sunil and her aunt.
Surbhi described her father as a loving man with a big heart. She remembered him as someone who always put family first, saying, “He was always there for us, sometimes even a little too much, but I would not change a single moment of that.”
The president of the Punjabi Club of Victoria expressed the community’s sorrow over Sharma’s tragic fate. He said no family should endure such a cruel loss and emphasized that violence has no place in society.
He praised the local police for their quick response in investigating the case, providing hope to the grieving family and community that justice will be served.
Sunil Sharma was a respected member of the Diamond Valley College community in Victoria, where he had taught for 13 years. The school’s administration has reached out to offer condolences to his family, highlighting his dedication to his students and colleagues.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs is keeping an eye on the developments and remains in contact with local authorities regarding the case.
