Indian-Origin Family Disappears En Route to Spiritual Site
Four senior citizens of Indian origin have gone missing in the United States while traveling from Buffalo, New York, to a spiritual destination in West Virginia. The family, consisting of Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84), was last seen at a Burger King in Pennsylvania on July 29. Their journey was intended to take them to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Last Known Movements Captured on Surveillance
Surveillance footage from the Burger King showed two members of the group entering the restaurant. Their last known credit card transaction was also recorded at this location. Shortly after their visit, a Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader detected their vehicle, a 2009 lime green Toyota Camry with New York license plate EKW2611, traveling south on I-79 at 2:45 pm on Tuesday.
Ongoing Search Efforts by Authorities
Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty reported that the family was headed towards Pittsburgh before continuing to Moundsville, West Virginia. Despite having “a few leads,” authorities have yet to locate the missing individuals. Deputies from both Marshall and Ohio counties are actively searching nearby roadways. Helicopters are scheduled to join the search operation on Sunday to assist in locating the family.
Community and Law Enforcement Involvement
The vehicle has been registered in the National Crime Information Center database, and a missing persons report has been filed in Buffalo, New York. The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a nonprofit organization based in Williamsville, New York, is raising awareness about the situation. CHAI President Sibu Nair expressed deep concern for the missing individuals and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Public Appeal for Information
A missing persons poster featuring the names and photographs of the family is circulating online. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone with information contact them at 304-843-5422. Efforts are being made to track the family’s cell phone signals as part of the search operation.