News

Reward Doubles For Missing Doctor

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Nov. 12 - KGO (KGO) -- A reward has doubled to $20,000 for information leading to a missing East Bay doctor. Almost 200 friends and family members of Doctor Zehra Attari took to the streets of Oakland Friday night. They were trying to find any clue to the whereabouts of the pediatrician who disappeared Monday on her way to an appointment. She hasn't been heard from since.

Nearly 200 people walked with candles from Dr. Zehra Attari's clinic on International Boulevard to the Fruitvale Plaza; her family, friends - and some who only know her as the doctor who cares.

Marie Harrison, patient's aunt: "Anybody she could help, regardless of whether you had or not, she would try to help you."

Dr. Attari is a 55-year-old pediatrician for underprivileged children. She gave her patients free medicine when their parents could not afford it.

Attari left her clinic just after 5:00 p.m. Monday for a 6:00 p.m. meeting in Alameda. She never made the meeting, and neither the doctor nor her silver Honda Accord have been seen since.

Oakland police are heading the search.

Annie Daddavati, missing doctor's friend: "They are doing everything from having helicopters out, searching the waters of the Bay, to make sure Dr. Attari didn't have an accident and drove into the water."

Attari's family says they believe she is alive. They rely on faith.

Huma Attari, missing doctor's daughter: "Our family has always been strong, and with the thought that our mother is alive and will come back soon hopefully, we remain strong in that belief. "

Asif Mirza, family friend: "We definitely need to pray. That's a big part of it. But we also need to get as much information out."

Ruby Ali, missing doctor's daughter: "A mother who is so giving and kind hearted, it's terrible to know she could disappear, and no one knows anything about her. It breaks my heart."

But someone must have seen something, and now Dr. Attari's family has doubled the reward to $20,000 in hopes of finding her and bringing her home.

Gil Duran, Oakland mayor's spokesperson: "Really, it takes a community. Somebody out there tonight has the piece of the puzzle we need to end this search."

>> <font color="red">Video On Demand: Build Your Own Newscast</font>

Get more News »