Missing mum-to-be ‘upset’

Recent ultrasound caused distress, says husband

Awoman missing from the Wellington suburb of Khandallah is five months pregnant and upset after an ultrasound scan, her husband says. Sonam Shelar, 26, was last seen at 8.30am on Saturday on Cashmere Ave. Her husband, Sagar Shelar, and her family in India are worried.

Shelar told the Herald they married last December and Sonam moved to New Zealand in April. They are expecting their first child together.

Shelar said his wife disappeared after being upset about a recent ultrasound.

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

On Saturday, Shelar left for work while his wife was still in bed and on his return she was gone.

“Every day on my break I give her a call, so on Saturday at 11am I gave her a call and her phone was switched off.”

He had never known her to do that. “At 1pm I went home and asked the landlord if he had seen Sonam, and he said he hadn’t since he got home at 10am. Since that time I have been looking for her everywhere and I have no clue where she is. She hasn’t left a note or anything.”

Shelar said his wife left through the front door of their Khandallah rental property, leaving the door unlocked and the keys at home. She took only $20 in cash, her two cellphones and a jacket. Her identification and ATM card were left at home.

Police said Sonam was wearing a brown jacket with fur on the hood, and white, black and orange trainers. She is slender and about 165cm tall.

“I have searched every friend of hers and every contact she has had since she has been in New Zealand, but no one knows. She has not contacted anyone,” Shelar said.

“I am scared. I haven’t slept or eaten. I have just been crying and thinking about her.”

Shelar said he had been in regular contact with Sonam’s family in India.

“They just want to hear that she is back. They are very worried.”

Sonam’s cousin Gauri Rane said the family had been calling her cellphone, but it was switched off.

She said family had no idea why Sonam disappeared or where she could be.

A police spokesman confirmed yesterday that Sonam was still missing.

Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said: “Police have stepped up their search . . . we, like her family, are worried for her safety”.

If you have information that could help locate Sonam, contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000 urgently.