Concerns for missing student grow

Srikanth Rayadurgam failed to return to his sister's home on October 1. Photo / Supplied

Police say they cannot rule out foul play over the disappearance of an overseas student a week ago.

Divers searched Auckland's Waitemata Harbour near Westhaven Marina yesterday for the body of Srikanth Rayadurgam, 23, after he failed to return to his sister's home at Mt Albert on October 1.

Police said he was not suicidal and had no known enemies.

Mr Rayadurgam's wallet and some of his personal property were found in the water or near the Westhaven marina, prompting the search.

Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Aumua from the Avondale police said Mr Rayadurgam's wallet was found about 100 metres from his other property.

He said Mr Rayadurgam lived with his sister and had no other family in New Zealand after arriving in the country from India earlier this year to study at the Auckland University of Technology.

"He wasn't the type of person to just disappear."

Mr Aumua said the case was not yet being treated as a homicide.

"But it is of concern to us. The longer he is missing the less likely we think we are going to find him alive and well.

"He wasn't suicidal, there were no issues and there is nothing in his history that would suggest he wanted to disappear."

Mr Aumua said Mr Rayadurgam worked to pay for his education and did not have a lot of money.

Anyone with information was asked to call Avondale police.

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