Sunil Sharma, a 66-year-old Melbourne maths teacher, has been confirmed murdered in Amritsar, India, according to police. Authorities allege Sharma was drugged and killed with a baseball bat by his brother and three others in a suspected attempt to steal his investment properties.
What do police know about the death of Sunil Sharma?
Officers in Amritsar have arrested four individuals in connection with the death of the Diamond Valley College teacher. The suspects include Sharma’s brother, Satish Sharma; Satish’s wife, Anushka; her son, Sunish; and a property dealer identified as Lakshman Singh.
According to police, Satish and Sunish allegedly took Sunil from a house, drugged him with sleeping pills, and struck him on the head with a baseball bat. Investigators claim the group then attempted to destroy evidence, including a bloody mattress and the baseball bat, before dumping Sharma’s body in the Harike canal.
Documents seen by this masthead suggest that the brother has confessed to the murder. Police are continuing to scour the canal in an effort to locate the victim’s body.
Why was the teacher in India?
Sunil Sharma traveled from Melbourne to India on May 22 to sell two investment properties. His daughter, Surbhi Sharma, stated that he intended to use the proceeds to fund his retirement in Melbourne.
Investigators believe the motive for the crime was tied to these assets. It is understood that the four accused allegedly fabricated a power of attorney to sell the two investment properties, as well as a property belonging to Sunil’s sister.
Diamond Valley College, where Sharma taught maths, has not yet issued a public comment regarding his disappearance or death.
How has the community responded to the tragedy?
The death has caused significant shock within Australia’s Indian diaspora. Surbhi Sharma previously expressed fears that her father had met with foul play during the week he was reported missing.
“Anyone who’s met my dad will say he is intelligent, strong and funny, but he [was] also loving and sensitive. He had a good heart and a tough exterior,” Surbhi said.
Param Jaswal, president of the Punjabi Community of Victoria, condemned the “heinous crime” and called for swift and fair justice. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed they are aware of the death and the subsequent arrests.
What could happen next?
As the criminal investigation progresses, the four accused will likely face formal legal proceedings regarding the murder and the alleged property fraud. The investigation may continue to focus on the validity of the fabricated power of attorney used to facilitate the sales.
The outcome of the case will likely depend on the recovery of the body from the Harike canal and the processing of the evidence the suspects allegedly attempted to destroy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Sunil Sharma? He was a 66-year-old maths teacher at Diamond Valley College in Melbourne and a father to Surbhi and Saransh Sharma.
- Who has been arrested in connection with the crime? Police have arrested Satish Sharma, his wife Anushka, her son Sunish, and property dealer Lakshman Singh.
- What was the alleged motive for the murder? Police believe the murder may have been motivated by an attempt to steal Sharma’s properties through a fabricated power of attorney.
How can communities better support families navigating such complex international tragedies?
