Missing student's family not happy with police search

A missing Indian student's family say Auckland police diverted resources to search for two-year-old Aisling Symes, leaving them to look for Srikanth Rayadurgam on their own.

Mr Rayadurgam, 23, disappeared on his way to class at the Auckland University of Technology eight days ago. Aisling went missing in West Auckland on Monday evening.

The Kakanoor family told 3News they have been left to search for Mr Rayadurgam on their own, and questioned whether it was because of the colour of their skin.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Aumua of Avondale police told One News the two cases did not have the same officers working on them.

"The inquiry out west is a separate inquiry. This inquiry is being dealt with by the Avondale police station and I'm happy with the resources that we have," he said.

Mr Rayadurgam's brother-in-law Nageesh Kakanoor found his backpack, mobile phone and his left shoe scattered along the waterfront.

Mr Kakanoor and his wife Padam said Mr Rayadurgam had no enemies and was not suicidal, but police acted far too slowly.

They said when police divers were finally called to search the harbour they were suddenly pulled off the case to join the search for Aisling.

Mr Kakanoor and his wife questioned why one missing person's case was more important than another.

"I honestly don't know, to tell you. Is it because of the brown skin?"

Ms Kakanoor told 3News she had every sympathy for the Symes family, but every life should be treated equally.

- NZPA