Amritsar Rural Police have confirmed that Sunil Sharma, a 66-year-old mathematics teacher from Melbourne, Australia, was murdered after going missing in Punjab on May 22. Authorities have arrested several suspects, including the victim’s brother, Sunny Sharma, in connection with the crime. The case, initially registered as a kidnapping, is expected to be formally converted to a murder investigation as officials prepare to release further findings.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Sunil Sharma had traveled to Amritsar to manage a house he owned, specifically to oversee painting work and address property-related matters. His disappearance drew significant concern from his family in Australia, the Punjabi diaspora, and Australian media outlets. The situation became critical after his mobile phone remained switched off from the day he vanished. His daughter, Surbhi Sharma, had previously issued a public video appeal to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, “My father has been missing since May 22 from Amritsar. We have no information about his whereabouts, and his phone is switched off. I request the Punjab government to use all available resources to find him and bring him home.”
The Shift to a Murder Investigation
The investigation reached a turning point when police identified the victim’s brother, Sunny Sharma, as the prime suspect. According to police reports, property-related disputes are currently being examined as a potential motive for the killing. Before the arrests were made, law enforcement officials noted that Sunny Sharma and his family had been absconding. Investigators also revealed that Sunny Sharma was already wanted by police in Himachal Pradesh in a case registered under the NDPS Act.
What May Happen Next
The Amritsar Rural Police are expected to provide a comprehensive update during a media briefing scheduled for later this evening. This briefing is likely to clarify several outstanding questions, including:
- The formal identification and number of all individuals currently in custody.
- Specific details regarding the recovery of the victim’s body.
- Additional evidence regarding the motive behind the crime.
As the legal process moves forward, the transition of the case files from a kidnapping to a murder charge will be a primary focus for the authorities.