LAWRENCE Vs. SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This habeas corpus petition is filed by father of one Lalin, who according to the petitioner, went missing from 15/7/2021.

(2.) According to the petitioner, there was a money dispute between his son Lalin and the fourth respondent, regarding which, a complaint was given by the missing person against the fourth respondent to the first respondent, who in turn referred the complaint to the District Crime Branch for investigation. This complaint was made on 5/5/2021 and the District Crime Branch Police were investigating the said complaint. While so, Lalin was found missing since 15/7/2021 and his cellphone was switched off. Suspecting danger to the life of his son Lalin, the petitioner has given a complaint to the Thuckalay Police Station on 17/7/2021. The petitioner has also indicated in the complaint that there was enmity between his son and one Jenis and he has strained relationship with his wife. The said complaint was registered in Crime No.565 of 2021 and was taken up for investigation, but there was no progress in the investigation and hence, the present writ petition seeking habeas corpus has been moved by the petitioner.

(3.) The respondent Police has taken up investigation and made extensive search of the missing person and also placed public advertisement in local TV channels and handbills and obtained call details of certain phone numbers. When the respondent Police found an unidentified body within Kaliyakkavilai Police limit on 10/8/2021, the petitioner was asked to identify the body and the petitioner informed the Police that the said body is not that of his son. Two Head Constables have been deputed on special duty to find out the missing person, but there is no fruitful result.