Indian Seafarer Rakesh Chauhan's Death in Venezuela Under Scrutiny; Family Claims Organs Missing

The Indian seafarers' union has demanded a fresh probe into the death of an Indian seafarer in Venezuela, questioning the official claim that he died of a heart attack. The union, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI), has raised concerns, alleging that several of his vital organs including his brain, heart, lungs and intestines were found to be missing. The official reason given behind the death of the sailor, working for a Venezuelan shipping company, was given as acute myocardial infarction, according to a Indian embassy statement shared by the union.

What union tweeted Indian Seafarer #RakeshChauhan reported dead in #Venezuela. Mortal remains sent back to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh without any autopsy report or details from Venezuelan authorities. Family demanded re-autopsy. The official Post-Mortem Report conducted in India reveals a horrifying truth: NOT A SINGLE ORGAN was found in the body. • Brain — Missing • Heart — Missing • Both Lungs — Missing • Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Pancreas, Stomach, Intestines — ALL Missing • Thyroid, Hyoid, Larynx & Trachea — Missing Body showed extensive prior stitching (22 stitches neck to pubic symphysis + 21 stitches ear to ear). No antemortem injuries noted. Body kept in deep freeze for nearly a month. Cause of death: Could not be determined (all organs absent).

They further alleged that the body showed extensive prior stitching (22 stitches neck to pubic symphysis + 21 stitches ear to ear) but no antemortem injuries were noted. Body were kept in deep freeze for nearly a month but the cause of death could not be determined as all organs were absent.

Calling it "unacceptable" that "seafarers are becoming scapegoats", the union made three demands 1. Full investigation & accountability from Venezuelan authorities 2. Immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy in Venezuela 3. Complete autopsy report, circumstances of death, and justice + compensation for the family

Then in a later statement on Wednesday, the union said Chauhan's family is demanding the complete autopsy report from Venezuela and clarification on what it called "deeply disturbing irregularities" in the handling of the case.

The FSUI questioned why vital organs were removed from Chauhan's body "without informing the family or seeking their consent" and why the family was allegedly kept unaware until it sought a second post-mortem in India.

The union also alleged discrepancies in official documents, claiming the receipt for the mortal remains carried a forged signature in the name of "Anjana Chauraisya" instead of "Ranjana Chaurasiya", who signed on behalf of Chauhan's wife.

It further claimed that the vessel named in the employment agreement did not match the ship on which Chauhan was actually deployed.

"These discrepancies raise grave suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up. What is being hidden?" the union said.

It urged the Embassy of India in Venezuela and the ministry of external affairs to intervene and seek the complete autopsy report from Venezuelan authorities, order an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chauhan's death and the handling of his remains, and ensure "justice, accountability, and adequate compensation" for the bereaved family.

"Seafarers' lives and dignity cannot be treated with such callousness," the union added.