International
oi-Ashish Rana
The family of an Indian sailor who died while on duty aboard a ship in Venezuela has demanded a thorough investigation after a second post-mortem conducted in Uttar Pradesh allegedly found that all of his major internal organs were missing. The case has also drawn the attention of the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI), which has questioned the circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of his remains.
The family of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan, who died in Venezuela, demanded an investigation after a second post-mortem in Uttar Pradesh found his major internal organs missing, raising suspicions questioned by the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India.
Family Raises Questions Over Death And Missing Organs
Rakesh Chauhan, 33, was working as a marine fitter in Venezuela after joining the Merchant Navy in November 2025. Originally from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, he lived in Mumbai with his wife, six-month-old son, father and brother.
According to the family, they received a call from the company on May 7 informing them that Rakesh had suffered injuries after allegedly falling on board the ship. The next day, they were told his condition was critical with only a five per cent chance of survival. Later that evening, the company informed them that he had died.
The company reportedly claimed that Rakesh became dizzy, fell, sustained serious injuries and died during treatment following an apparent heart attack. However, the family has questioned this version after the findings of the second autopsy.
Second Post-Mortem Reveals Major Organs Missing
Rakesh’s body reached his native Deoria nearly a month after his death. Initially, doctors in India declined to conduct another autopsy, stating that one had already been performed overseas. The family said they had never been informed that a post-mortem had taken place in Venezuela.
Following instructions from Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi, a second post-mortem was ordered. According to the report accessed by India Today, doctors found that Rakesh’s brain, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, intestines, urinary bladder and several other organs were missing.
The report also noted 22 stitches running from the neck to the pubic region and extending from one ear to the other. Doctors reportedly stated that the absence of the internal organs made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death because no viscera remained for forensic examination.
FSUI Demands Answers Over ‘Disturbing Irregularities’
The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India has demanded a comprehensive investigation and sought the complete autopsy report from Venezuelan authorities.
In a statement shared on X, the union said, “Serious questions that need answers: Why were vital organs removed from his body without informing the family or seeking their consent? Why was the family kept in the dark until they demanded and arranged a re-postmortem in India? The receipt for mortal remains was forged – signed in the name of ‘Anjana Chauraisya’ instead of ‘Ranjana Chaurasiya’ (on behalf of his wife). The vessel name mentioned in the employment agreement does not match the vessel where he was actually posted. These discrepancies raise grave suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up. What is being hidden? We urge the Embassy of India in Venezuela and to intervene urgently.”
The union further demanded justice, accountability and compensation for the bereaved family, adding, “Seafarers’ lives and dignity cannot be treated with such callousness.”
Family Seeks Investigation And Compensation
Rakesh’s family has accused the company of failing to disclose critical information regarding his death and the post-mortem conducted abroad. They have demanded a detailed investigation into the entire sequence of events and adequate financial compensation.
Rakesh’s mother had earlier died during the Covid pandemic. His family reportedly spent lakhs of rupees to send him to Venezuela in the hope of improving their financial condition. His wife, Ranjana, is currently staying with their six-month-old son at her parents’ home and remains in contact with the Indian Embassy while seeking action against the company.
