Kochi, February 12: The Kerala High Court has refused to dismiss a habeas corpus petition concerning the disappearance and death of Indian citizen Suraj Lama, who was deported from Kuwait. On Wednesday, the division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehaltha instructed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to continue its inquiry.
The court emphasized that a thorough investigation must be conducted from the time Lama arrived in India until his body was discovered, ensuring all events are properly documented.
Lama was deported from Kuwait to Kochi under an official order. The court noted that he appeared weak and may have faced cognitive difficulties. Despite this, immigration and airport authorities granted him clearance, allowing him to leave the airport without assistance.
Following a missing person report, the police placed him in protective custody and admitted him to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital. He was later discharged after doctors reportedly found no medical issues. Subsequently, a body was discovered in Kalamassery, which a forensic report confirmed to be Lama’s.
The government lawyer informed the court that the interim post-mortem report dated December 1, 2025, indicated that the body had decomposed significantly, making it impossible to determine the cause of death.
The court stated that the case remains “completely open,” as the cause of death is still unknown. The petition cannot be dismissed solely because the body has been identified. The bench directed the investigating officer to present the missing case file and post-mortem report.
Additionally, the court instructed the SIT, led by the city police commissioner or an officer of equivalent rank, to continue the investigation. It also noted allegations of lapses at various stages, including immigration clearance, police handling, and medical care.
The court acknowledged the petitioner’s claim that the possibility of homicide cannot be ruled out but clarified, “We are not investigating murder. We are examining the sequence of events leading up to the discovery of the body.”
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for three weeks from now.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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