Missing Melbourne teacher allegedly drugged and murdered by brother in India

Sunil Sharma disappeared in Punjab province on 22 May, with police arresting four people, including his brother

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An Australian teacher who went missing in India for two weeks was allegedly murdered by his brother over a property dispute, police say.

Melbourne maths teacher Sunil Sharma disappeared on 22 May after he travelled to Amritsar, in India’s north-western Punjab province.

Local police said on Sunday morning (AEST) that investigations into the disappearance suggested Sharma was allegedly murdered over a property he owned.

Four people have been arrested as part of the investigation, Amritsar local police said.

Indian police allege Sharma’s brother, Satish Sharma, spiked his drink with sleeping pills before delivering fatal blows to his head with a baseball bat.

Sharma’s body was allegedly dumped in a canal, with police continuing to search for his remains.

His daughter, Surbhi Sharma, said police statements alleged her uncle and his associates had created a fake power of attorney and sold properties owned by her father and her aunty.

In a statement, Surbhi said her father was a good man.

Sharma remembered her father as an intelligent, strong, and funny person who was also “loving and sensitive”.

“He had a heart of gold and he gave everything to the people he loved,” she said.

“He was always there for us, sometimes even a little too much, but I would not change a single moment of that.”

The president of the Punjabi Club of Victoria said the community was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic alleged murder of Sharma during his visit to India.

“No family should have to endure such a senseless and tragic loss,” Param Jaswal said in a statement. “Acts of violence have no place in any society and must be dealt with firmly under the rule of law.”

He acknowledged the prompt and professional efforts of local police in investigating the case and apprehending the alleged culprits.

“Their swift action has provided some reassurance to the family and community that justice is being pursued,” Jaswal said.

Victoria’s education department and Sharma’s colleagues at Diamond Valley college, where he taught for 13 years, have sent their condolences to his family, a department spokesperson said.

“Mr Sharma was a dedicated and valued member of the Diamond Valley college community,” a spokesperson said.

“Our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with Mr Sharma’s family, friends, colleagues and students.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the arrests made in relation to the teacher’s death and is in regular contact with local authorities.