The family of a missing elderly North Delta man made an emotional appeal Tuesday afternoon for the public's help to locate him.
Jarnail Sanghera, 88, suffers from dementia and is also a diabetic requiring medication. He has not been seen since Friday, May 15.
He went missing from the family home in North Delta, near Nordel Way and 116th St. He is described as South Asian male with a slim build, 5’8” who was last seen wearing a light blue turban, a plaid shirt, a dark grey zip-up jacket and dark grey jogging pants that have white stripes across the thigh area, as well as black running shoes.
He has a tattoo on the back of one his hands of a religious symbol. He speaks only Punjabi and is described as a very friendly person.
At a media briefing outside the North Delta Public Safety Building on Tuesday, Delta police Supt. Harj Sidhu said Sanghera does know how to use public transit and had a small quantity of cash on him.
He was last seen on video surveillance at around 11:30 a.m. walking eastbound in the 118- block of 88th Avenue.
He frequents the Sikh temple near 84th Avenue and 140th Street in Surrey.
His son Rajpal Fagurha said the family appreciates the public support and asks that people and businesses continue to keep an eye out for his father.
“It's been five days and we have no idea where he is. We're grateful everyone has come together. If you do spot him, please understand that he's a very friendly person and that you can take a picture of him close by and send it in to a tip line...Again, Friday was the last day we have an actual, accurate video footage picture of him,” said Fagurha.
A distraught Harbinder Fagurha, Sanghera's daughter, in Punjabi appealed for any information and the public's help.
Canvassing for video and potential sightings from residents and businesses, as well as an appeal on social media, have produced tips, but nothing to lead to Sanghera's whereabouts. An extensive ground search over the weekend that included the South Fraser Search and Rescue Team was also unsuccessful.
Family and friends as well as up to 200 volunteers continue to search neighbourhoods. Residents and businesses in North Delta and Surrey are asked to check any unlocked vehicles, buildings, sheds, vacant lots or alleys.
If you believe you have seen Sanghera or have information on his whereabouts, contact police at 604-946-4411.
Photo of Jarnail Sanghera provided by Delta police
