Search intensifies for missing Indian-origin Auckland student

Auckland, Oct. 16 (ANI): The search for the missing Indian-origin Auckland-based student Srikanth Rayadurgam has intensified, with police now turning their attention to Karangahape Rd after earlier searches at the Westhaven Marina and Pt Erin area proved futile.

Rayadurgam, 23, was last seen at midday October 1 when leaving his Mt Albert home

Srikanth made two international phone calls from his cell phone after 10 pm on the night he went missing, police say.

"We have been able to determine that two attempts were made to call an international number at 10.08 pm and 10.31pm, but neither of those calls was connected," The New Zealand Herald News quoted Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Aumua, as saying.

The calls were made to Srikanth's uncle and the phone tracked to K Rd. Police and Asian Safety Patrol members were distributing flyers and speaking to members of the public on K Rd.

Srikanth arrived in New Zealand from India in February.

He had been studying at Auckland University of Technology while staying with his sister Padma Priya and brother-in-law Nagesh Kakanoor in Mt Albert.

Police said Srikanth had not attended classes for two months before his disappearance.

Srikanth is also said to have withdrawn 250 dollars from his account that afternoon and police are investigating reports that he was seen in a cafe that afternoon but there have been no other reported sightings since then, police say.

Police said Srikanth's wallet and other personal items were found near Westhaven Marina on October 2. (ANI)