Body found during search for woman

WELLINGTON: Wellington Police searching for missing woman Sonam Shelar have recovered a woman’s body on a Wairarapa beach.

Formal identification is yet to take place but the body is believed to be that of the 26yearold, who was reported missing on Saturday.

Mrs Shelar married her husband, Sagar Shelar, in December last year before moving to New Zealand in April to live with him.

They were expecting their first child together at the time of her disappearance.

Wellington CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said Mrs Shelar’s next of kin had been notified.

‘‘The investigation is still ongoing and police are working closely with the family of the deceased to ascertain further facts,’’ he said.

‘‘Police are committed to supporting the family of the deceased and providing answers for them.’’

Sagar Shelar yesterday said he believed he was the ‘‘first sus pect’’ in his wife’s disappearance. He told Stuff police had searched his home as the effort to find his wife entered its fifth day.

‘‘I know that I’m still their first suspect but I know that I haven’t done anything wrong,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re just waiting and hoping to hear from the cops.’’

Earlier this week, he told the Herald his wife had been upset about a recent ultrasound.

‘‘On November 15 we went for an ultrasound test at the hospital,’’ he said.

‘‘She had always dreamed for a baby boy but that day after the ultrasound they were not sure if it was a girl or boy.

‘‘As soon as we got in the car she was crying and so upset because she wanted a boy.’’

Police are appealing to residents in Khandallah’s Cashmere Ave with CCTV cameras to get in touch immediately.

Det Snr Sgt McKee said anyone with cameras showing Onslow Rd, Box Hill, Burma Rd or Agra Cres should contact police on (04) 3812000 or opzeplin @police.govt.nz.