E-mail campaign to help find missing B.C. woman

A family friend hopes an e-mail campaign will help find Manjit Panghali, amother and Surrey teacher who has been missing for almost a week.

Panghali, 30, who is four months pregnant and has a three-year-old daughter, disappeared lastWednesday on her way to a prenatal class.

Police found her car on Monday, but won't say where.

Jas Randhawa told CBC Radio on Tuesdaythat an e-mail containing a detailed description of the teacher and her picture is being sent throughout the Indo-Canadian community.

He alsosaid he spoke with Manjit's husband, Mukhtiar Panghali, on Monday.

"It's a very tough time for him, but he's trying to stay hopeful," he said of his friend. "He still feels that Manjit's going to return home safe and sound."

Tearful appeal for help

The missing woman's husband and family joined police at Surrey RCMP headquarter on Monday to make an emotional appeal for public assistance.

"I'm here today to make a plea to the most caring country, most caring citizens in the world that I need your help. My daughter needs your help," said Mukhtiar Panghali.

He also said he tried to find out, through family members,where she went, before he went to police 26 hours later.

'Worried sick,' says neighbour

At Northridge Elementary School, where Panghali taught twice a week, counsellors are available for students and staff.

"Parents are very concerned. Ms. Panghali is a very popular teacher, very professional, well accepted by the community, and there's just shock," said principal Bob Insell.

Neighbour Jennifer Lees says her friend would never leave her young daughter alone, and says she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary before last week's disappearance.

"She's our Block Watch captain. I also cut her hair. I am a hairdresser. We've had coffee a few times. She was happy. They're expecting their second child and this is very out of character. I just don't know what to say. I am just worried sick."

Lees says she called Manjit's husband and offered to help in the search. The RCMP said the major crimes unit is involved in the investigation.