Missing Melbourne teacher allegedly murdered by brother in India

Indian police allege that Sunil Sharma, a 66-year-old high school maths teacher from Melbourne, was murdered by his own brother. Sharma, an Australian citizen, had traveled to his native India to manage property matters and went missing last month in the city of Amritsar, Punjab province.

Authorities held a press conference Saturday, stating that Sunil Sharma's brother, Satish Sharma, allegedly drugged his sibling with sleeping pills before fatally striking him with a baseball bat. Police further claim that Satish Sharma's wife and son assisted in the crime by disposing of a blood-stained mattress and the weapon. The trio then allegedly dumped Sunil Sharma's body in a canal.

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My dad was always there for us and sometimes even a little too much. But I count myself so lucky to have had a father like him who taught me everything I know about life today.

Sunil Sharma's daughter, Surbhi Sharma, spoke to the ABC, confirming that authorities had informed her of her uncle's arrest. She expressed her grief, remembering her father as an "intelligent, strong and funny" man with a "good heart" who was always there for his family. She also acknowledged the tributes from his former students and colleagues at Diamond Valley College, where he taught.

Police had been searching for the brother, who was reportedly seen at Sunil Sharma's property around the time of his disappearance. A major search operation is currently underway to recover Sunil Sharma's body from the canal. Surbhi Sharma stated she felt lucky to have had such a loving father who taught her valuable life lessons.

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He would've loved to see everyone recognise him and it warms my heart to read and know he gave the gift of education to hundreds of students over the course of his life.