In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday refused to close a habeas corpus petition concerning the disappearance and death of Suraj Lama, an Indian citizen deported from Kuwait. The division bench, comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehulata, directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to continue its probe into the entire sequence of events from his arrival in India to the recovery of his body.
Lama was officially deported to Kochi, where he appeared frail and possibly disoriented. Despite his condition, immigration and airport authorities cleared him without providing assistance, allowing him to leave alone. Soon after, a missing person report led police to take him into protective custody and admit him to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital.
Doctors reportedly found no major issues and discharged him. Tragically, a decomposed body was later found in Kalamassery, confirmed through forensic reports to be Lama’s. The interim post-mortem report from December 1, 2025, cited advanced decomposition as the reason the cause of death could not be determined.
The court emphasized that the case remains ‘wide open’ since the cause of death is unknown. Merely identifying the body does not warrant closing the petition. The bench ordered the investigation officer to submit the missing person file and post-mortem report. It also mandated an SIT, led by the City Police Commissioner or equivalent, to probe lapses at multiple stages including immigration clearance, police handling, and medical care.
Noting claims of possible foul play, the court clarified it is examining the sequence of events up to body recovery, not conducting a murder investigation. The next hearing is scheduled three weeks from now, ensuring accountability in this baffling case.