Toronto police canvassed the Church and Wellesley streets area Thursday, handing out fliers in hopes of shedding light on what happened to three men who fit a similar profile.
All three men have gone missing over the past three years. Police say they all share a similar ethnicity and lifestyle, as well as an association with the neighbourhood.
“It’s quite unusual that no one has heard or seen these men for several years,” Const. Tony Vella told CP24. “Right now it’s still unclear if there is foul play or not. Officers are still trying to determine that.”
Skandaraj “Skanda” Navaratnam, 40, disappeared on Sept. 16, 2010 after leaving a bar in the area with another man.
Officers are still trying to identify the man Navaratnam was with, Vella said.
Vella also said Navaratnam, who was active in the local community, uncharacteristically left his dog behind.
He is described as brown, five-foot-eight with a thin build, black hair, brown eyes and a black goatee.
After pouring over missing persons databases, police say two other missing men fit a similar profile.
Abdulbasir "Basir" Faizi, 44, was reported missing to Peel Regional Police on Dec. 29, 2010. Police say he went missing in the same area as Navaratnam. His car was later found on Moore Avenue near the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Most recently, 59-year-old Majeed "Hamid" Kayhan was reported missing by his son on Oct. 25, 2012 after last being spotted on Oct. 14. Police say he was also active in the Church and Wellesley streets area.
None of the men have been seen since they were reported missing.
“Their family members are quite concerned,” Vella said. “We’re concerned as well.”
He said a hotline has been set up where people can send police tips about the men. Vella urged people to look at the photos of the men and contact police if they remember anything.
Anyone with information is asked to call the hotline at 416−808−5110 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477).
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