An SIT officer stated that the team is almost certain that the remains belong to Lama.

The recovered belongings, including the clothes he was last seen wearing, matched the description. We are 95 per cent sure the body is Lama’s. However, official confirmation will be made only after his family identifies the remains and scientific procedures, including post-mortem and DNA tests, are completed,” the officer said.

He added that Suraj’s family has been asked to reach Kochi for official identification. Meanwhile, Suraj’s son, Santon Lama, told TNIE that the police had informed them about the recovery.

“My relative and I are currently at the Bengaluru airport, waiting for our flight. It has been delayed due to bad weather, and we expect to reach Kochi around 7.45 pm,” Santon said.