ILR stolen- out of UK for 27 months- returning resident

[pavis]

Hi

This is about my friend, used to be my colleague.

She did hold an ILR, she was with her spouse in Bristol. She was working at my place. As her friend,
I knew that she was subjected to domestic abuse by her man for over an year. In 2015 they both travelled to India(Hyderabad). What was supposed to be a short break turned out as a horror for her. He kept hold of her ILR, jwelleries along with other few documents and left her there and came back to UK. Their dispute got worse and they got divorced recently.
She didn't think about her ILR during those times as she was apparently down with all the hardship.
Now she wants to return to UK, get a job and live independently.
I am requesting this forum to help me her please. Can she apply (from India) as returning resident?
She hasn't informed UKBA about her ILR then, but she has filed a police complaint locally saying that her ILR has been stolen. She has now been away from UK for 2 years and 4 months. She has no home or any other properties or family established in UK. She is keeping few payslips of hers from the company she worked in Bristol.
Would a returning resident application be appropriate? I could not find a SETO9 form. Please can i get directions on that. Also suggestions on strengthening her case for returning will be grateful.

Thanks
P Avinash

[Casa]

The crux of the issue is that ILR is lost after 2 years outside of the UK. She is unlikely to be issued with a replacement due to the long period of absence and no ties to the UK.

In hindsight, she should have notified the Home Office that her passport had been stolen and returned to the UK before the end of the 24 month period.