Melbourne Teacher Allegedly Murdered by Brother in India Over Property Dispute
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Under investigation
- An Australian teacher, Sunil Sharma, allegedly murdered in India over a property dispute.
- Police arrested four people, including Sharma's brother, Satish Sharma, who allegedly drugged and killed him.
- Sharma's daughter and a community leader expressed grief and called for justice, while Australian authorities are in contact with local police.
A Melbourne maths teacher, Sunil Sharma, who disappeared in India two weeks ago, has allegedly been murdered by his brother over a property dispute, according to local police. Sharma traveled to Amritsar in the northwestern Punjab province on May 22 and subsequently vanished.
He had a heart of gold and he gave everything to the people he loved.
Amritsar police reported on Sunday morning that investigations indicate Sharma was killed due to a dispute over property he owned. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder. Police claim Sharma's brother, Satish Sharma, drugged his sibling's drink with sleeping pills before fatally striking him on the head with a baseball bat. Sharma's body is believed to have been dumped in a canal, and a search for his remains is ongoing.
He was always there for us, sometimes even a little too much, but I would not change a single moment of that.
Sharma's daughter, Surbhi Sharma, stated that police allege her uncle and associates created a fake power of attorney to sell properties belonging to her father and aunt. She remembered her father as an intelligent, strong, funny, loving, and sensitive person with a "heart of gold" who gave everything to his loved ones.
No family should have to endure such a senseless and tragic loss.
The Punjabi Club of Victoria expressed deep sadness and shock over the alleged murder, with president Param Jaswal calling for firm action under the rule of law. Jaswal acknowledged the local police's swift and professional investigation, which has provided reassurance to the family and community. Victoria's education department and Sharma's colleagues at Diamond Valley College, where he taught for 13 years, also extended their condolences, remembering him as a dedicated and valued member of the community. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation and liaising with Indian authorities.
Acts of violence have no place in any society and must be dealt with firmly under the rule of law.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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