UPDATE: Police and emergency services have amped up their search for missing Melton man Kashi Adhikari.
The Victoria State Emergency Service’s Melton unit knocked on 2500 doors and volunteers spent a total 1000 hours to find Mr Adhikari who was last seen at his Westlake Drive house about 10pm on Thursday, January 15.
Police and family are concerned for the 73-year-old’s welfare due to his age and medical condition, Senior Sergeant Simon Payne said.
“This is out of character for him,” Senior Sergeant Payne said.
A spokesperson for the VicSES Melton unit described the search as the largest ever mounted by the team.
“The Melton unit is heartened by the wide public awareness of the missing man,” the spokesperson said.
“The SES and Victoria police are encouraging residents to continue to keep an eye out for Kashi Adhikari.”
Hundreds of volunteers searched along creeks, rivers, roads and parks in Melton, and were assisted by VicSES crews from Sunbury, Brimbank, Knox, Whitehorse, Wyndham and Port Phillip.
Mr Adhikari usually wears loose white pants, a white long sleeved top and a hat. He is described as being of medium build, 170 centimetres tall, with balding grey hair and speaks broken English.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact triple-0 and those interested in joining the search can register at ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer
