Family 'anxious' for teenage student missing for five days

A teenage student from India has been reported missing after last being seen leaving a friend's apartment in St Julian's on Wednesday evening.

Vishav, 18, who attends the La Vallette Institute in Ta’ Xbiex but is originally from Barara in northern India, hasn't been seen since March 18. 

Indian community leader and General Workers’ Union representative for third-country nationals, Manav Sanger, said he was “deeply concerned” about Vishav’s disappearance.

“This situation is extremely distressing, not only for the community but especially for the individual’s family and friends, who are anxiously awaiting any news,” he said.

“I have personally been in contact with the family, and their pain and uncertainty are heartbreaking. They are continuously seeking updates and support, and it is our collective responsibility to stand with them during this incredibly difficult time.”

'Calm' and 'normal'

Police have not yet issued a missing person's report for the hospitality student. 

However, his friend Gurpreet Singh reported Vishav’s disappearance to the police on March 20 after realising he had not returned home.

Singh became friends with Vishav when he moved to Malta around two months ago and they live in the same apartment block. 

He last saw Vishav at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, when the young man left Singh’s apartment after the pair shared an evening meal.  He later made a call to his parents in India that night at around 3.30am on Thursday morning – equivalent to around 8am in India – when, according to friends of the missing man who have spoken with the family, he is reported to have sounded “calm” and “normal”.

He has been unreachable by phone and social media since then, and has not contacted his family in India since the call.

He is believed to have been wearing a white zip-up jumper at the time of his disappearance. 

'Every moment is critical'

Singh said his friend had appeared in good spirits when leaving the apartment.

A spokesperson for the La Vallette Institute confirmed the teenager had not attended classes since the day of his disappearance.

Sanger urged authorities to intensify their efforts and ensure that all resources were being used to locate the missing teenager.

“Every moment is critical, and the family deserves clear communication and swift action,” he said. “I also call upon the community to come forward with any information that may assist in this matter. Solidarity, awareness, and cooperation are essential in situations like this.”

Anyone with information about the missing teenager should contact their nearest police station or Gurpreet Singh on +356 99961493.