Kerala High Court Mandates Thorough Probe into Tragic Death of Deported Indian Worker
The Kerala High Court has issued a directive for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Suraj Lama, a Bengaluru native who was deported from Kuwait and later found deceased in a marshy area in Kalamassery, Kochi. The bench, comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and M B Snehalatha, has ordered that the investigation be led by the city police commissioner or an officer of equivalent rank, with a report to be submitted within three weeks.
Court's Directives and Observations
The court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Santon Lama, the son of Suraj Lama, who sought to trace his missing father. In its ruling, the bench emphasized that the entire sequence of events—from Lama's arrival in India until his body was discovered—must be meticulously examined and documented by the investigation team. The team is instructed to involve all relevant authorities, including Cochin International Airport Limited (Cial) and the immigration wing.
The court added a poignant note: "This shall not happen to another Indian. At least in Kerala." This statement underscores the gravity of the case and the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Background of the Case
Suraj Lama had been employed in Kuwait for several years. He was hospitalized there after suffering from acute toxic leukoencephalopathy, a condition caused by alcohol poisoning. Subsequently, he was deported to India on October 5, 2025, without his family in Bengaluru being notified of his return.
Upon arriving in Kochi, Lama was reportedly seen at multiple locations before being reported missing. On October 10, the Thrikkakara police took him into custody without identifying him and admitted him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery. After this admission, his whereabouts became unknown until November 30, when a decomposed body found near the hospital was confirmed through forensic tests to be that of Suraj Lama.
Court Proceedings and Findings
During a hearing on Wednesday, the Nedumbassery police station house officer (SHO) presented an interim post-mortem report and other relevant documents to the court, as directed by the bench. The interim post-mortem report indicated that the cause of death could not be determined due to advanced decomposition of the body.
During the proceedings, the court orally observed that the possibility of murder could not be ruled out. However, it clarified that the investigation's primary focus is to examine the sequence of events leading up to the discovery of the body to ascertain exactly what transpired. The court noted that it is ultimately up to the police to decide whether a criminal case should be registered based on the findings.
Next Steps and Adjournment
The bench has adjourned the petition to March 4, 2025, for the submission of the police report. This timeline allows the investigation team three weeks to conduct a thorough inquiry and compile their findings, which will be critical in determining the next legal steps and ensuring justice for Suraj Lama and his family.
This case highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment of deported individuals and the protocols followed by authorities in such situations, prompting calls for stricter oversight and improved communication between agencies.
