Authorities in the United States have launched a comprehensive search for four Indian-origin senior citizens from New York who have been missing since July 29. They were Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84). They were on their way to Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, a place of worship in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Surveillance footage showed two members of the group entering a Burger King in Erie, Pennsylvania, where they were last seen. Their final known credit card transaction also occurred at this location. A Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader detected their vehicle, a 2009 lime green Toyota Camry with New York license plate EKW2611, heading south on I-79 at approximately 2:45 pm on Tuesday.
Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty told WTOV9 that the family's planned route was to travel to Pittsburgh and then on to Moundsville, West Virginia. Although officials are following 'a few leads,' the four have not been located. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office, along with deputies from neighbouring Ohio County, have been conducting a search of local roadways. On Sunday, helicopters were deployed to assist in the search efforts.
Also Read: Indian-origin man attacks flyer in US, claims he was meditating
The vehicle has been registered in the National Crime Information Center database, and a missing persons report was filed in Buffalo, New York. In a statement on Facebook, the Marshall County Sheriff's department confirmed that "efforts are being made to locate the missing individuals by tracking their cell phone signals."
The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a nonprofit based in Williamsville, New York, has also raised awareness about the disappearance. CHAI President Sibu Nair stated, "Two couples who were travelling are currently missing, and we're all deeply concerned. If anyone has heard from them or has any updates, please reach out. Hoping they're safe and will be found soon."
A missing poster with the names and pictures of the individuals is being circulated online. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office has requested that anyone with information contact them at 304-843-5422.
Also Read: Indian student attacked in Australia, wife films crime
Follow us
