Melbourne maths teacher Sunil Sharma, 66, disappeared on May 22 after he travelled to Amritsar in India’s northwestern Punjab province.

It is believed Sharma was preparing for retirement and had been in Amritsar readying an investment property for sale.

Local police said on Sunday morning Australian time investigations into the disappearance revealed Sharma was allegedly murdered over the property.

Four accused have been arrested as part of the investigation, Amritsar Local Police said.

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

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

Sharma’s daughter Surbhi said police statements alleged her uncle Satish and his associates had created a fake power of attorney and sold both her dad’s and her auntie’s properties. 

Ms Sharma said her father was a good man and should not be associated with the actions of his brother.

“What happened to him was done to him. He was a victim of an unthinkable act of betrayal by someone who should have protected him,” she said in a statement.

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 for personal property matters.

“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 spokeswoman said.

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

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

Ms Sharma told the ABC she had been touched by tributes from the Diamond Valley College community.

"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," she said.

The 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.

AAP

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