Missing CPM Worker: Kerala High Court Demands Status Report On Police Investigation

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought a statement from the respondents on the stage of investigation in the habeas corpus plea moved by a CPM worker's wife alleging that her missing husband was abducted for reasons associated with the upcoming CPM branch election.

A Division Bench comprising Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice C. Jayachandran asked the respondents to file a copy of the investigation so far conducted in the matter by the next hearing date. 

In her plea, the petitioner had alleged that she was prompted to approach the Court owing to no progress being made in the investigation despite the passage of one month since her husband went missing.

The petitioner's husband, Sajeevan Poriyanteparambil, a CPM party member and a fisherman, went missing on 29th September. He left home in the early hours that day for fishing but did not return.

Concerned about his absence, the matter was reported to the Ambalappuzha police station that very evening.

The petitioner alleged that she has a reasonable apprehension that it is not a case of man-missing but of abduction in connection with a dissident movement within the party.

Upon noticing no progress being made at the investigation, the petitioner approached the District Superintendent of Police on 6th October seeking immediate action. Although the same was promised to her, she submits that there is still no information regarding her husband.

Accordingly, the petitioner has urged that since it is the statutory duty of the Station House Officer and the Superintendent of Police to enquire into the whereabouts of her husband, it was illegal of them to adopt a lethargic attitude in the matter.

Advocates Sonu Augustine and V. Praveen appeared for the petitioner.

Case Title: Sajitha Sajeevan v. Station House Officer & Ors.