A 26-year-old Indian woman has gone missing since Saturday in Wellington, New Zealand.
Sonam Shelar is five months pregnant and was last seen at 8.30am in the suburb of Khandallah on Saturday, November 17th.
Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee, Wellington CIB said Police have stepped up their search for her.
“We have concerns for her safety and need people to keep an eye out for her. It's been cold overnight and we, like her family are worried for her safety,” he said.
Her husband Sagar Shelar told the NZ Herald they had recently married and were expecting their first child together.
Source: NZ Police Media Unit
Sonam, who is currently five months pregnant, disappeared on Saturday morning, after being upset about a recent ultrasound, he claimed.
"On November 15 we went for an ultrasound test at the hospital. She had always dreamed for a baby boy but that day after the ultrasound they were not sure if it was a girl or boy.
"As soon as we got in the car she was crying and so upset because she wanted a boy," he said.
Mr Shelar returned to an empty house with the door unlocked and the keys at home on Saturday noon.
Her cell phone has been switched off according to the family members.
Police said the 26-years-old is of slender build and approximately 165cm tall.
Sonam was wearing a brown jacket with fur on the hood and white, black and orange trainers.
People have been urged to share any information they may have with Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000 urgently.
Many members of the Indian community in New Zealand have extended their support to the distressed mother-to-be.
“I do not know you but I live in the Northern Suburbs too and my home is a safe haven. Many of us have seen many ups and downs in life and do understand this from a cultural perspective. Your and [yo]ur baby’s safety is of utmost importance than anything else. Pvt msg here pls, I will come and pick you up wherever you are...there is help and always hope,” wrote Shweta.
Where to seek help?
In Australia, if you, or a loved one, are feeling depressed or just need someone to talk to, please contact:
Maternal and Child Health service:
Maternal and Child Health service is free and supports your child’s health and development from birth until school age.
When you visit a Maternal and Child Health centre, the nurse will review your child's health, growth and development. The nurse will also talk to you about your own health and how your experience as a parent of a new baby has been so far.
To make an appointment with your local Maternal and Child Health Service contact your local council. Qualified Maternal and Child Health nurses are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Maternal and Child Health Line – 13 22 29.
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia:
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mums and one in ten expecting or new dads. Call them on 1300 726 306 or read more about them, here.
