Suraj Lama Case: Kerala High Court Modifies Order, Directs DIG-Rank Officer To Head SIT
Anamika MJ
16 Feb 2026 12:45 PM IST
The Kerala High Court on Monday (16 February) modified its interim order directing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to continue its investigation to document the sequence of events from the time of Suraj Lama's arrival in India until his death.
In the interim order dated 11 February, the Court had directed the SIT to be headed by the Commissioner of Police or an officer of equivalent rank.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha, today modified the order on the request of the government pleader and directed that the SIT must be headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).
Suraj Lama is an Indian citizen who was deported from Kuwait but went missing after arriving at Kochi. Despite his visibly vulnerable condition, described as involving possible cognitive and other impairments, he was cleared by all authorities, including immigration and airport security, and allowed to leave the airport without assistance.
The Court had previously expressed concern over the administrative handling of deportees, asking if any protocol was in place. Subsequently, a body was found from Kalamassery, which was confirmed to belong to Lama by a Forensic report.
During the last date of hearing, the Court had declined to close the habeas corpus petition despite the identification of the body and has directed the SIT to continue the investigation into the sequence of events after the arrival of Lama in India, noting that the possibility of murder cannot be ruled out.
Case No: WP (Crl) No. 1421/2025
Case Title: Santon Lama v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner: A Parvathi Menon