Missing Melbourne teacher allegedly drugged and murdered by brother in India | Australia news
An Australian teacher who went missing for two weeks in India was allegedly killed by her brother over a property dispute, police said.
Melbourne maths teacher Sunil Sharma disappeared on May 22 after traveling to Amritsar in India’s northwestern Punjab state.
Local police said in a statement on Sunday morning (AEST) that investigations into the disappearance revealed that Sharma was allegedly killed over property he owned.
Amritsar local police said four people were arrested as part of the investigation.
Indian police alleged that Sharma’s brother, Satish Sharma, spiked his drink with sleeping pills and then inflicted fatal blows on his head with a baseball bat.
While Sharma’s body was allegedly dumped in a canal, police continue to search for his remains.
His daughter Surbhi Sharma said in her police statements she claimed that her uncle and his friends had prepared a fake power of attorney and sold properties belonging to her father and aunt.
In her statement, Surbhi said that her father is a good man.
Sharma remembered his father as a smart, strong and funny person who was also “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 allegation that Sharma was tragically killed during his visit to India.
“No family should have to endure such a senseless and tragic loss,” Param Jaswal said in a statement. “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 assurance to the family and community that justice was being pursued,” Jaswal said.
A department spokesman said Victoria’s education department and colleagues at Diamond Valley college, where Mr Sharma taught for 13 years, offered their condolences to his family.
“Mr. Sharma was a dedicated and valued member of the Diamond Valley university community,” a spokesman said.
“Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Mr. Sharma’s family, friends, colleagues and students.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the arrests made in connection with the teacher’s death and is in regular contact with local authorities.
