"My uncle confessed to the murder," said Surbhi Sharma, the victim's daughter, describing her father as "intelligent, strong and funny."
Amritsar, India — A 66-year-old Australian citizen and Melbourne teacher, Sunil Sharma, was murdered in Amritsar, according to local police. His brother, Satish Sharma, along with three other individuals, have been arrested and charged in connection with the death.
Disappearance and Investigation
Sunil Sharma went missing on May 22 while visiting Amritsar. He had traveled from Melbourne to oversee painting work and attend to property-related matters at a house he owned. His mobile phone was reported to have been switched off since his disappearance.
A kidnapping case was initially registered before police transitioned the investigation to a murder case.
Alleged Events and Charges
Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwalpreet Singh stated that police allege Satish Sharma drugged his brother with a drink containing sleeping pills and then struck him in the head with a baseball bat. The suspects are accused of removing a blood-stained mattress and the baseball bat, and dumping the body in the Harike canal. A major search operation is underway to recover the body.
Police have charged Satish Sharma; Satish's wife, Anushka; her son, Sunish; and property dealer Lakshman Singh with murder. The accused are alleged to have fabricated a power of attorney to sell two of Sunil Sharma's investment properties and his sister's property.
Statements and Reactions
Surbhi Sharma, Sunil Sharma's daughter, stated that her uncle had confessed to the murder. She thanked the Diamond Valley College community for their tributes. She had previously appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene in the search for her father.
The Punjabi Community of Victoria expressed condolences and called for swift justice.
Satish Sharma was reported to be wanted by police in Himachal Pradesh under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledged the death and arrests but declined further comment.
Ongoing
Police have stated that property-related disputes are a possible motive for the murder. The investigation is ongoing.