Family plea for missing man

Ankur Sharma.

The family of an Indian student last seen in Auckland over a month ago remain positive he is alive and believe he simply needs help getting in touch with them.

Ankur Sharma, 23, last contacted his parents and sister in early June.

He was last seen in Manurewa on June 9 - the same day he was admitted to Middlemore Hospital after being assaulted at a train station. He was treated for minor facial injuries and discharged shortly afterwards.

Older sister Aditi Jasra said the family were positive he was alive and that he needed assistance.

Speaking to the Herald from Canada, she said it was unlike him not to make contact with their parents, but acknowledged he might have become disappointed after fruitless job applications.

The family have put up $500 for information about their son and hired private investigator Danny Toresen, to help.

Mr Toresen, of Thompson & Toresen Investigators, said last week that a homeless man had recognised the young student outside a hostel in Freemans Bay.

•Anyone with information about Mr Sharma should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.