Suraj Lama Missing Case: Kerala High Court Expresses Displeasure Over Delay In Forensic Identification

A Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha was dealing with a habeas corpus petition filed by Lama's son and expressed displeasure over delay in examining the body. It said,

“We are certainly unhappy with the time frame that is taken but do not find any other option but to accede to the request by the learned Government pleader. Because, unless the body is properly identified, nothing further can possibly be done.” Court orally observed.

Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had filed a report tracing the steps taken by CIAL after Lama arrived at Kochi airport. The report also detailed other instances where Lama was seen wandering from place to place, forced to live in extremely unhygienic conditions, including on the sides of streets.

“This is a case where he was taken by the Kuwait people and sent to India. Even then, we couldn't help him. As an institution, what are we here for… It's the failure of civil society because we don't consider the person on the street equal. We are still colonial.. As colonial as we can be…” Court had orally observed.

A body was found from Kalamassery, which is suspected to belong to Suraj Lama. The Court is awaiting the confirmation as to whether it belongs to Lama and the Forensic report in this regard is not yet made available.

“This is a man, who was brought from Kuwait, alive and well and within a few days, we made sure that he is no more. And the 'we' is “we the people of India,” the Court said today.

While granting two more weeks for the forensic report to be submitted, the Court stated that no consequential orders can be passed, unless the body is identified.

The matter is posted on 23 January for further consideration.

Case Title: Santon Lama v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1421/ 2025

Counsel for Petitioner: Parvathi Menon