Fears mount for missing Sanjay

THE brother of a Nepalese student who vanished on Boxing Day has spoken of his family’s concern over the missing man as he appealed for help in tracing him.

Sanjay Dhital was last seen nearly three weeks ago at his flat in Elm Row, off Leith Walk, and has not been in touch with his friends or family since.

The disappearance of the 23-year-old, who is a student at Edinburgh College, has sparked fears among family members for his safety.

The Evening News posted an appeal for information on the student’s whereabouts on our Facebook page, prompting a string of messages of support for Mr Dhital’s anxious relatives.

His brother, Sailesh Dhital, posted a desperate plea on the site in response. It read: “I am his brother. If you guys have any information about my brother then please inform me or the police. Is there any information that you can share with me?

He admitted concerns were growing amongst the man’s family, saying: “We are really worried about him.”

Police searching for Mr Dhital have described his disappearance as “extremely out of character”, and said they were “increasingly worried” about him as they appealed for help from the public.

Councillor Angela Blacklock, who represents the Leith Walk ward where Mr Dhital lives, said: “It must be a real worry for the family that Mr Dhital has not been seen for almost three weeks. I would urge anyone who has seen Mr Dhital, or knows anything about his whereabouts, to contact police so they can help put the family’s minds at rest.

“Even if it’s information that might not seem important, I would encourage people to contact police so that officers can make that determination.

“I hope that Mr Dhital is found safe and well soon.”

In a message of support on the News’ Facebook page, Regan Karki wrote: “Hope he’ll be fine n pray to god for his safety.”

Nirjan Dada wrote: “I have seen him n talked so many times . . . It’s quite shocking news about his disappearance.”

Abhinandan Baniya wrote: “Hope he returns safe. God be with him.”

Mr Dhital is described as being 5ft 6in tall, slim build with unkempt black hair and a stubbly complexion.

Police believe he may now have some facial hair or a beard.

During a previous appeal, Sergeant Bob Campbell said: “As time goes on we are growing concerned for Sanjay’s safety, and would appeal for anyone who might know where he is to contact us urgently. We are looking to trace Sanjay to establish he is safe and well, and so would ask anyone with any information to get in touch on 0131-311 3131 or 0800 555 111.