Family prays missing man Shiva Chauhan still alive 10 years after suspicious disappearance

The heartbroken family of a Melbourne delivery man who disappeared while working in Dandenong a decade ago fear his parents will die without closure in their son’s unusual case.

The family of a delivery driver who vanished without a trace in Melbourne’s southeast fear his parents will die without finding out what happened to their son.

Ten years ago today, 27-year-old Shiva Chauhan disappeared along his delivery route in Dandenong South.

He began his shift on the evening of May 1 2014 and was last spotted at a South Park Rd bakery just after midnight on May 2, but he has not been seen or heard from since.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald Sun from India, Mr Chauhan’s brother Dinesh said their father Lalman, 70, and mother Rohine, 65, could succumb to chronic heart problems without answers about their son’s unexplained disappearance.

“The past decade has been very hard for us, and harder for my parents,” Dinesh said.

“As they have aged, they have always hoped for Shiva to come back. They pray to God for his wellbeing and now after waiting for so long, they have grown old and very sick.”

Missing delivery driver Shiva Chauhan.

Mr Chauhan disappeared on May 2 2014. Picture: Supplied.

The alarm about Mr Chauhan’s disappearance was raised when he did not turn up to a meeting planned for later that day and his delivery van was discovered nearby on Hutton Rd with his wallet and ID inside that afternoon.

He is presumed dead and his body has not been found.

A stolen 2006 maroon coloured Toyota Camry sedan with the registration ULO 972 could have been used to take Mr Chauhan to Phillip Island, but the car has never been found.

Dinesh said while signs from investigators pointed to Mr Chauhan no longer being alive, the family still held out hope that someone in Victoria had information about his whereabouts.

“There is no confirmed reason, but I believe he was kidnapped by someone. I do believe that my brother is still alive,” he said.

“All of my family believe that one day he will come back home to us.

“If anyone knows where he is, please get in touch with us.”

Dinesh said his brother’s disappearance has left a hole in their close-knit family, which has been forced to celebrate milestones and raise Mr Chauhan’s nieces without him.

“No words will do justice to express my feelings about your absence, dear brother. I miss you every second and wait for you to come back,” Dinesh said.

“You are one of the most important people in my life and when you are not around, I miss you terribly.”

A picture taken of Mr Chauhan several months before his disappearance. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Chauhan’s elder sister Shashi Chauhan said a lack of answers from Victoria Police meant the 27-year-old’s family had no choice but to hope he was still alive.

“Nothing is happening, it’s the same story as 10 years back,” she said.

“Dad is not well. He just wants to hear Shiva’s voice for the last time. Mum dad can’t wait that long.

“We are still living in hope that maybe one day we will hear about Shiva or maybe he will call.

Mr Chauhan’s young niece, Kaira, said she missed her uncle.

“Everybody is waiting for you. I love you Chachu (paternal uncle),” she said.

Police are seeking any information about a stolen 2006 maroon Toyota Camry sedan – which detectives believe was used to take missing person Shiva Chauhan to Phillip Island on May 2, 2014.

Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge from the Missing Persons Squad told the Herald Sun the investigation into Mr Chauhan’s disappearance remained open.

“Our thoughts remain with Shiva’s family on this anniversary,” he said.

“Any new information provided to police will be thoroughly investigated.”

No one has ever faced charges over Mr Chauhan’s disappearance.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.