‘Betrayal’: Aussie teacher allegedly murdered in India
An Australian teacher who had been missing in India for two weeks was allegedly killed by her brother in “an unthinkable act of betrayal”.
Melbourne maths teacher Sunil Sharma disappeared on May 22 after traveling to Amritsar in India’s northwestern Punjab state.
Local police said an investigation on Sunday morning Australian time revealed Mr Sharma was allegedly killed over property he owned.
Amritsar Local Police said four accused were arrested as part of the investigation.
Indian police allege that Sharma spiked his brother Satish’s drink with a sleeping pill and then inflicted fatal blows on his head with a baseball bat.
While it is claimed that his body was thrown into a canal, the police’s search for the body continues.
Mr. Sharma’s daughter Surbhi said in her police statements that her uncle Satish and his friends had prepared a fake power of attorney and claimed that both her father and her aunt had sold their properties.
Ms. Sharma said her father was a good man and should not be associated with his brother’s actions.
“What happened to him happened to her. She was the victim of an unthinkable act of betrayal by someone who was supposed to protect her,” he said in a statement.
Ms. Sharma remembered her father as smart, strong and funny, as well as “loving and sensitive.”
“He had a heart of gold and would give everything to the people he loved,” he said.
“He was always there for us, sometimes a little too much, but I wouldn’t change a single moment of it.”
The president of the Victoria Punjabi Club said the community was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic alleged murder of Mr Sharma during his visit to India over personal property issues.
“No family should have to endure such a senseless and tragic loss,” Param Jaswal said in a statement. he said.
“Acts of violence have no place in any society and must be dealt with strictly within the framework of the rule of law.”
The official appreciated the prompt and professional efforts of the local police to investigate the incident and capture the suspects.
“Their swift action provided some reassurance to the family and community that justice was being followed,” Mr. Jaswal said.
A department spokesman said Victoria’s education department and colleagues at Diamond Valley College, where Mr Sharma taught for 13 years, had expressed their condolences to his family.
“Mr. Sharma was a dedicated and valued member of the Diamond Valley College community,” a spokesperson said.
“Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Mr. Sharma’s family, friends, colleagues and students.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the arrests made in connection with the teacher’s death and is in regular contact with local authorities.
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