Amritsar: The disappearance of a 66-year-old Australian citizen of Punjabi origin in Punjab has taken a fresh turn, with police identifying his brother as the prime suspect in the case. The missing man’s family has also appealed to the Punjab government for urgent assistance in tracing him.
Sunil Sharma, a mathematics teacher based in Melbourne, Australia, reportedly went missing on May 22 during a visit to Punjab. According to family members, Sharma had travelled to Amritsar in connection with property-related matters and was overseeing renovation work at a property in the district. He also owns a house in Mohali.
Relatives said Sharma has not been heard from since May 22 and his mobile phone has remained switched off. His disappearance has drawn attention both in India and Australia, where members of the Punjabi community have expressed concern over the case.
In a video message, Sharma’s daughter Surbhi Sharma appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and state authorities to intensify efforts to locate her father.
She said the family has no information about his whereabouts and urged authorities to use all available resources to ensure his safe return. Surbhi described her father as someone deeply connected to his roots in Punjab and said he frequently visited the state.
Police officials investigating the case have identified Sharma’s brother, Sunny Sharma, as the main suspect. According to investigators, Sunny Sharma and members of his family are currently untraceable.
The family has alleged that Sunny Sharma was seen in the vicinity of the Amritsar property shortly before Sunil Sharma disappeared. Police have registered a kidnapping case and launched a search operation.
Officials said efforts are underway to locate the suspect, while investigators continue to examine all aspects of the case. Police sources also indicated that Sunny Sharma is reportedly wanted in another case registered under the NDPS Act by Himachal Pradesh Police.
As the search continues, concern is growing among Sharma’s relatives and members of the Punjabi diaspora in Australia, who are seeking answers about his sudden disappearance.
