Kochi, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has suggested the establishment of a comprehensive statewide system aimed at sharing information about missing individuals with all residents, thereby enhancing search efforts and ensuring quicker location of persons, particularly during the vital “golden period”.

This recommendation was made by a Division Bench featuring Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha while reviewing a habeas corpus petition submitted by Santon Lama, who is seeking assistance in locating his father, Suraj Lama. Suraj, who came to Kochi from Kuwait on October 5, has been unaccounted for since that date.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed under the Court’s directive, is actively conducting the investigation.

The Court had previously included the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Social Justice Department to support the inquiry.

During Friday’s session, the Bench shared concerns that the missing individual might be nearby yet unable to reveal his identity.

“We suspect that the individual in question may be in close proximity but remains unlocated due to his inability to communicate,” the judges noted.

The Court underscored the increasing frequency of cases involving individuals who vanish without a trace and emphasized the necessity for a centralized, real-time information-sharing network.

“We believe that information regarding him should be disseminated to every citizen in Kerala. We are uncertain if any such system currently exists within the police or other authorities. If it doesn’t, we strongly recommend its establishment,” the Bench stated.

It further explained that such a system would empower citizens to swiftly provide information to law enforcement, thus enabling timely action.

The Government Pleader advised the court that he would liaise with the Police Department and other relevant agencies regarding the feasibility of implementing such a system.

He also verified that investigators are diligently following leads, including unconfirmed sightings of the missing man dining at local establishments and interacting with residents.

The counsel for the petitioner informed the court that the family is continuing their own search while experiencing significant emotional distress.

The Bench recognized this anguish and assured, “The court will persist until we successfully locate his father.”

The case is scheduled for further review on December 1.