Police trace school teacher who went missing from Kozhikode

A government schoolteacher who went missing from Thottilpalam on October 5, has been traced to Pudussery in Palakkad district along with a Vadakara native identified as Abdul Samad. A police team led by Thottilpalam Sub Inspector C.P. Suhail took the two into custody for questioning on October 17. They were reportedly staying in a rented house, posing as husband and wife.The disappearance of the woman came to light as her family members approached the police for action. They also had approached the Kerala High Court after she remained untraced for more than a week.Police reportedly tracked the pair through digital clues and information about Samad’s use of multiple SIM cards. Investigators found that he had used seven SIM cards and that the two had allegedly communicated through WhatsApp using Wi-Fi connections obtained from other people’s phones.The teacher had received public attention about a decade ago after developing a serious liver condition while pregnant. Her husband donated part of his liver for a transplant, which was supported by a public fundraising campaign. She later entered the government service after qualifying in a Public Service Commission examination. Police sources said Samad was involved in a few criminal cases, including assault cases. He was suspected of deceiving the woman for financial gains. They said the case would be probed in detail to bring to light the truth. Published - October 18, 2026 03:59 pm IST