Tragic Discovery: Missing Departed to be Confirmed Through DNA

A decomposed body was discovered near the Hindustan Machine Tools premises in Kalamassery, believed to be missing Suraj Lama, who was last seen in early October after being deported from Kuwait. DNA tests are awaited for confirmation, and further investigations are ongoing.

A decomposed body has been found in a forested area near the Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) premises in Kalamassery, Kochi, raising alarms about its possible identity. The police suspect it to be the remains of Suraj Lama, 59, a Bengaluru native who was reported missing earlier this month, following his deportation from Kuwait.

Suraj Lama, who ran a restaurant in Kuwait, suffered memory loss due to methanol poisoning and was deported to Kochi on October 5. Following his arrival, he was admitted to Ernakulam Medical College in Kalamassery but went missing from the hospital on October 10. His son, Santon, unsuccessfully searched for him, leading to a habeas corpus petition in the Kerala High Court.

The court directed the formation of a special investigation team to probe the case. Surveillance footage suggested Lama was last seen near the HMT area, prompting a search that led to the body's discovery. Police are awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity, while the cause of death remains under investigation pending autopsy findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)