Kochi, Kerala: The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit complete details regarding a body discovered in a marshy area in Kalamassery, suspected to be that of Suraj Lama, 50, who went missing on October 5 after arriving in Kochi from Kuwait.

The bench, comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha, heard a habeas corpus petition filed by Lama’s son, alleging police inaction and negligence. It also directed the Superintendent of the Medical College Hospital, where Lama was reportedly taken by the police, to provide all medical records and reports by Thursday, December 4.

Court expresses concern over police handling

"We need full details now. We need to know how this individual was taken to the hospital, what happened in the hospital, and a minute-by-minute breakdown. We are literally hoping and praying this is not his body," the court said.

The bench noted that Lama’s son claimed his father had cognitive impairment due to an accident abroad and had been sent back to India for treatment. The court insisted on being informed how the alleged detainee was admitted and later discharged from the Medical College.

Questions raised over city surveillance

The court was informed that postmortem, scientific examination, and DNA profiling were underway to confirm the identity of the body found in the HMT area marshland. Observing that the body may have remained undetected for over a month, the bench sharply questioned the state of city surveillance.

"What kind of city surveillance is this? How can a body lie in a marshy area within a municipality for so long without being noticed? This is deeply concerning," it remarked, highlighting that the location falls within the proposed Judicial City.

SIT to continue investigation

Criticising the police’s failure to act during the crucial ‘golden period’ in missing person cases, the court demanded explanations for why such areas are left unsupervised.

It insisted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), previously appointed by the court, should continue probing the case, including tracing Lama’s belongings sent from Kuwait. The court added that the SIT, rather than local police, must furnish all details at the next hearing.