In a significant development in the tragic Suraj Lama case, the Kerala High Court on Monday amended its earlier interim order, directing a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police to head the Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of a Police Commissioner.
The bench, comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehaltha, made this change following a request from the government pleader. Initially, on February 11, the court had mandated that the SIT be led by a Police Commissioner or an officer of equivalent rank.
Suraj Lama, an Indian expatriate deported from Kuwait, landed at Kochi airport but mysteriously vanished shortly after. His body was later discovered in Kalamassery, and forensic tests confirmed his identity. The case drew widespread attention after revelations that airport immigration and security officials allowed him to leave despite his visibly frail condition, marked by cognitive impairments and other vulnerabilities.
The High Court expressed deep concerns over the handling of deportees, questioning the absence of standard protocols for managing individuals in such distressed states. Despite the body’s identification, the court refused to close the habeas corpus petition during previous hearings.
Directing the SIT to continue probing the sequence of events from Lama’s arrival in India until his death, the court emphasized that the possibility of murder cannot be ruled out at this stage. This ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full truth behind the shocking incident that has raised serious questions about passenger safety and official accountability at airports.
As the probe intensifies under DIG leadership, authorities are under pressure to deliver justice and prevent similar oversights in the future. The case continues to highlight systemic gaps in protecting vulnerable returning citizens.