The Kerala High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to locate Suraj Lama, a Bengaluru resident who has been missing since October 5 after arriving in Kochi from Kuwait. The directive came from a division bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and M. B. Snehalatha, while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Suraj’s son, Santon Lama, who sought urgent intervention from the Court to find his father.
According to the petition, Suraj Lama had been living and working in Kuwait for several years. He was reportedly hospitalised there after suffering from alcohol poisoning, which led to toxic leukoencephalopathy and memory loss. Despite his fragile mental and physical condition, he was deported to India on an emergency certificate and landed at Kochi airport on October 5. After his arrival, his family received reports of him being seen in different areas around Kochi. It was later alleged that he had been taken into custody by the Thrikkakara police on October 8, but since then, his whereabouts have been unknown.
The High Court expressed deep concern about the unclear circumstances surrounding Suraj Lama’s disappearance and strongly criticised the apparent lack of progress by the authorities. The Court stated that all possible leads must be pursued and that the State Police had a constitutional duty to trace the missing person. Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, the Court remarked that it was unacceptable for a man to go missing without any trace after arriving from abroad, particularly when his deportation had been officially processed through government channels.
The bench directed that the SIT be led by a senior police officer, preferably of Deputy Commissioner rank, and that the team should coordinate closely with both the petitioner and the Central Government. The State Police Chief was instructed to oversee the investigation and ensure accountability at all levels. The Court also asked for regular progress reports on the investigation and allowed the petitioner to provide any new leads to assist the SIT.
The petitioners argued that despite filing multiple complaints with the police, little had been done to find Suraj Lama. They also claimed that no government department had informed the family about his deportation or arrival in India, forcing them to take independent steps to trace him. The family’s efforts reportedly led to information that Suraj Lama had been seen wandering near Kochi, which prompted them to approach the High Court.
The Court has made it clear that the investigation must be conducted with urgency, and no effort should be spared in tracing the missing person. It noted that the case raises serious concerns about the safety of deported individuals and the state’s responsibility to ensure their protection.
The matter remains under the Court’s supervision, with the SIT expected to submit an updated report on its findings during the next hearing.
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