Gardaí trace final journey

Gardaí believe staff at petrol stations, shops, food outlets, and B&Bs may have spotted Sanjeev Chada or his car in the 20-hour period he went missing with his two sons.

A massive investigation is underway to try and piece together Mr Chada’s movements since he left Ballin-killen, near Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, at 6.30pm on Sunday and crashed his car outside Westport at 3.25pm on Monday.

They hope the distinguishing features of both Mr Chada — a long-haired, 6ft man of Indian parents — and the car he was driving — an unusual hatchback green Ford Focus — might have been noticed by either a shop assistant or a driver.

“The initial appeal is to people working in petrol stations,” said a Garda spokesman. “He must have got petrol at some stage.

“Also, B&Bs, shops, and people who saw either him or his kids, staying for the night, or getting food or bringing the kids to the toilet or saw his car, a green Ford Focus, hatchback type, smaller than the normal.

“They might not have seen the registration, but the car is unusual. Also Mr Chada himself is distinguishable and fairly tall. You’d remember him if you saw him.”

The spokesman also appealed to drivers who saw the car parked in a lay-by, laneway, or a beauty spot to contact gardaí.

Gardaí are examining reports of sightings of a car similar or matching that of Mr Chada, but are not releasing that information yet for operational reasons.

Gardaí are working with the National Roads Authority examining CCTV systems and automatic number plate recognition cameras on the M6 and M4 motorways for any sightings.

Mr Chada could also have taken a variety of regional and national roads and may have stopped for a while.

Gardaí said he had no connection with the Westport area and had no history of visiting there before.

Gardaí said any sighting or footage of the car might also indicate when the boys were killed, as autopsies results typically give a window of time within which death occurred.

Officers said they have received a great response so far from members of the public. They reminded people of the details of their appeal:

*A green Ford Focus, hatchback-type, registration 06 CW 238;

*Sanjeev is described as 6ft, with shoulder-length hair. He was wearing a maroon Tommy Hillfiger polo shirt, blue jeans, brown leather slip-on shoes, and no jacket;

*Eoghan was 4ft10, of medium build and black shoulder-length hair. He was wearing a navy tracksuit bottoms, dark top and white runners;

*Ruairi was 3ft10 with short black hair and brown eyes. He had a slight scar above his right eye. He was wearing a red and white Middlesboro football jersey.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 913 6620 or any Garda station.