Update Sunday, 1:50 p.m.: The family announced the reward is now $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Varughese’s disappearance or his safe return.

Update 7:11 p.m.: The family announced they are offering a $5000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Varughese’s disappearance or his safe return.They have also started a Fundly for people to donate to the cause at fundly.com/pravin-varughese.

Update 12:46 p.m.: The K-9 units have completed their search for Varughese without any sign. The community is encouraged to hand out flyers containing his photo and canvas the area. Flyers can be found at the Quality Inn lobby at 1415 E. Main St.

The last confirmed sighting of Varughese was at a party at 606 West College St. Anyone canvassing the area should ask about the party as well. Anyone with any information about Varughese or the party should contact the Carbondale Police at 618-457-3200.

UPDATE Saturday, 10:03 a.m.: A group of volunteer K-9 search units  from the Pulaski County Emergency Services Disaster agency are combing the area in search of Varughese. In the meantime, police have asked citizens to keep the area as clear as possible so the K-9 units can keep a clear scent.

“It’s best to let them do their job and don’t interfere with them,” Carbondale Police Lt. Mark Goddard said. “Dogs are very good at search and tracking and smelling sense. If people distract them, they’re still a dog. So we want them to try and not distract them and let them do their job.”

Goddard said people in the area should remain alert and contact the police with any information.

“We just ask people in the area to keep their eyes open, be diligent and if they hear anything to give us a call.”

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UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A search party organized by Varughese’s friends and family will take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. until dark. It will meet at the Carbondale Police Station. Anyone wishing to help in the search effort should contact the Carbondale Police Department or Varughese’s sister Priya at 847-873-6633. This is a developing story that will be updated as more information is obtained.

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Carbondale police are searching for missing SIU student Pravin M. Varughese. Varughese was last seen on the 600 block of West College Street around 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

Varughese is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds with short brown hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing the red shirt in the attached photo with blue jeans and purple shoes. He is 19 years old.

Varughese has a tattoo on his chest reading “Fear God.”

Anyone with information regarding Varughese’s whereabouts should contact the Carbondale Police Department at 618-457-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 618-594-2677.