The Kerala High Court has altered its interim order in the Suraj Lama case, now requiring the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be led by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) instead of a Commissioner of Police. Initially, the court had mandated the SIT to be headed by the Commissioner of Police or an officer of similar rank. Following a plea from the government pleader, Justices Devan Ramachandran and M.B. Snehalatha revised the directive to appoint a DIG to lead the SIT.
The SIT has been instructed by the court to continue its investigation to document the entire sequence of events from Lama’s entry into India until his demise. Suraj Lama, an Indian citizen deported from Kuwait, went missing upon his arrival in Kochi, and a body found in Kalamassery was confirmed to be his through forensic analysis.
Judicial attention was drawn to the case due to concerns about Lama’s clearance by immigration and airport security despite his vulnerable state, raising questions about existing protocols for handling individuals in similar situations. The court, during a previous hearing, declined to close the habeas corpus petition, emphasizing the need to probe further into the events post Lama’s arrival, citing the potential of foul play.
With the change in leadership within the SIT, the court continues to closely monitor the investigation, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Lama’s disappearance and death.
