CBI Takes Over Investigation of Missing Kerala Soldier After 14 Years

Investigation Handed to CBI

In Kochi, the case of a young man from Ernakulam district, Kerala, who has been missing for approximately 14 years, has now been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision follows directives from the Kerala High Court, which prompted the CBI to take charge of the investigation.

The missing individual, Subhash Chandra Bose, was serving as a rifleman in the Tripura State Rifles. He went missing while returning to duty by train after spending his leave in April 2012. At the time of his disappearance, he was just 27 years old.

His family, which has been searching for him for many years, now holds hope that the CBI's involvement will unravel the mystery surrounding his disappearance and provide crucial information about his whereabouts.

Circumstances of Disappearance

Subhash Chandra Bose was a resident of Vengoor in Ernakulam district. He had been serving in the third battalion of the Tripura State Rifles for nearly seven years. After completing his leave in April 2012, he was supposed to return to his unit in Tripura.

On the night of April 3, 2012, around 9:20 PM, he boarded the Ernakulam-Guwahati Express train from Ernakulam Junction. He did not have a reserved ticket and traveled with a general ticket. His father, P.K. Balakrishnan, had accompanied him to the railway station.

After boarding the train, Subhash informed his father that he would try to find a seat with the help of the ticket examiner. He then set off on his journey, unaware that this would mark the beginning of a long wait for his family.

Last Communication

During his journey, Subhash spoke to his mother on April 4, 2012, informing her that he had reached Andhra Pradesh. The following day, he called again to mention that his mobile balance was running low and that he would contact them after reaching his workplace.

However, after this call, his family lost all communication with him. They waited for his call, but there was no news, leading to increasing concern. On April 10, 2012, they learned that Subhash had not reported for duty at his unit in Tripura.

Missing Person Report Filed

After realizing their son was missing, his father filed a complaint with the Ernakulam Railway Police Station on April 13, 2012. Based on this complaint, the police registered a missing person case and initiated an investigation.

During the initial investigation, the railway police sought information regarding Subhash's journey and potential locations he might have visited.

Investigation Developments

It was discovered that Subhash was last seen alive at the Visakhapatnam railway station in Andhra Pradesh. The case was subsequently handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Visakhapatnam, where it was re-registered as a missing person case on October 15, 2012.

Despite extensive efforts, no leads were found regarding Subhash's whereabouts for many years. His family continued to search for him, but no significant information emerged over the 14 years.

High Court's Directive for CBI Investigation

In an effort to solve the mystery of his son's disappearance, Subhash's father approached the Kerala High Court. He filed a petition requesting a fair and effective investigation into the case. Last month, the High Court ordered that the case be transferred to the CBI.

Following the court's order, the CBI took over the investigation from both the Ernakulam Railway Police and the Visakhapatnam GRP. The agency's Special Crime Branch filed a fresh FIR in the court on October 28.

New Hope for the Family

With the CBI now handling the investigation, there is renewed hope for Subhash's family. The agency will examine both cases together to gather comprehensive information regarding the events surrounding Subhash's disappearance.

The family is optimistic that this new investigation will finally bring to light the truth behind the unresolved case that has haunted them since 2012.