Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan, 33, dies in Venezuela and his body is repatriated to Deoria in Uttar Pradesh nearly a month later, prompting demands for a transparent investigation. The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) and Chauhan’s family allege that many major internal organs are missing from the body when it arrives in India, and that the family was not provided with an autopsy report or clear information from Venezuelan authorities. FSUI says the initial autopsy in Venezuela may have already occurred, pointing to extensive stitching on the body from the neck to the pubic area and another incision from ear to ear. After the family requested a fresh examination, an official post-mortem in India finds that key organs are absent, including the brain, heart, both lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, thyroid, hyoid bone, larynx, and trachea. The Indian post-mortem reportedly concludes that the cause of death cannot be determined because the required organs for examination are missing. The family also alleges the shipping company provided conflicting explanations for Chauhan’s condition and death. FSUI calls for involvement from the Indian Embassy and MEA, release of complete documentation, and accountability and compensation.
Indian seafarer’s body returned from Venezuela with major organs missing; probe demanded
Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan, 33, dies in Venezuela and his body is repatriated to Deoria in Uttar Pradesh nearly a month later, prompting demands for a transparent investigation. The Federation of...
- Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan dies in Venezuela; his body is repatriated to Deoria, Uttar Pradesh nearly a month after death.
- FSUI and the family allege that many vital organs are missing, including brain, heart, both lungs, liver, kidneys, and other major organs.
- A subsequent post-mortem in India reports extensive surgical stitching and says the cause of death cannot be determined due to absence of key organs.
- The family says Venezuelan authorities and/or the shipping company did not provide an autopsy report and gave inconsistent information about how Chauhan died.
- FSUI demands a transparent investigation, MEA/Embassy involvement, release of all related documents, and appropriate compensation.
A grieving widow is demanding justice after her seafarer husband's body returned from Venezuela with all major organs missing. Rakesh Chauhan, who reportedly died in an accident, was repatriated without an autopsy report. A subsequent post-mortem in India found extensive surgical stitching and the absence of vital organs, leaving the cause of death undetermined and raising serious questions.
2 hours agoA shocking discovery has emerged regarding the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela. His body, returned to India without vital organs and with extensive prior stitching, has raised grave suspicions. The seafarers' union is demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged foul play and a cover-up, urging immediate intervention from the Indian Embassy for justice and compensation for the grieving family.
10 hours agoThe death of 33-year-old Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela has sparked serious concerns after his body was repatriated to Uttar Pradesh with several vital internal organs reportedly missing. The incident has prompted the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) to demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.According to the FSUI, Chauhan's mortal remains were sent to his hometown in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, nearly a month after his death without an autopsy report or any official details from the Venezuelan authorities explaining the cause of death.Second post-mortem reveals multiple organs missingFollowing the family's demand for a fresh examination, an official post-mortem was conducted in India. According to the FSUI, the report found that almost all major internal organs had already been removed.⚠️ SHOCKING CASE — 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… pic.twitter.com/4dGSZtPEfp— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 30, 2026 In a statement shared by the union, the findings included the absence of the following:BrainHeartBoth lungsLiverKidneysSpleenPancreasStomachIntestinesThyroidHyoid boneLarynxTracheaThe report also noted extensive stitching running from the neck to the pubic region and another incision extending from ear to ear, suggesting that a prior autopsy had been carried out.The Indian post-mortem reportedly found no ante-mortem injuries and concluded that the cause of death could not be determined because all the major organs required for examination were absent.Family alleges conflicting information from shipping companyChauhan's family has alleged that they received inconsistent information from the shipping company following the incident.According to the family, company officials initially informed them that Chauhan had fallen aboard the vessel, suffered serious injuries and was undergoing treatment. The following morning, they were allegedly told that there was a 95% chance he would not survive. By evening, the company confirmed his death.The family claims the company later attributed his death to the injuries sustained in the fall. However, the FSUI has said the company initially described the death as resulting from a cardiac arrest, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.The family was assured that Chauhan's body would be returned within a week after they met company representatives in Mumbai. However, his remains arrived in Deoria only after nearly a month.Doctors suspected prior autopsyWhen Chauhan's body reached Deoria, doctors reportedly declined to immediately conduct another post-mortem, stating that it appeared a post-mortem had already been performed because of the extensive surgical stitching.Following intervention by the district administration, a second post-mortem was carried out.Rakesh Chauhan's father alleged that the family had been deceived."We were told nothing about a post-mortem already being conducted. After the District Magistrate ordered another post-mortem, it was found that the body parts were missing and the cause of death could not be determined. We demand action against the company and a proper investigation," Chauhan's father told to India TV.Chauhan, the eldest son in his family, got married in 2023 and is survived by his wife, a six-month-old son and his younger brother.FSUI demands transparent investigationCalling the case "unacceptable", the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India has demanded a full investigation into Chauhan's death by the Venezuelan authorities, immediate intervention by the Embassy of India in Venezuela, release of the complete autopsy report and all documents related to the circumstances of his death, justice and appropriate compensation for Chauhan's family.The union said Indian seafarers should not become "scapegoats" and urged the authorities to ensure complete accountability.Video: Indian Seafarer Dies Off Oman Coast; Crew Uses Water Bottles To Preserve Body, Alleges NegligenceQuestions remain over missing organsAccording to report in Hindi News Portal India TV, Medical experts note that organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver and gall bladder are sometimes removed during a medico-legal autopsy for detailed examination. However, in Chauhan's case, neither the Venezuelan authorities nor the shipping company have reportedly provided the family with the original autopsy report or any explanation regarding the removal of the organs or the exact cause of death.With the Indian post-mortem unable to establish how Chauhan died because of the absence of vital organs, the family continues to seek answers and has called for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident.
11 hours agoFSUI alleges Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan died under suspicious circumstances in Venezuela, organs missing after repatriation, seeks MEA intervention and impartial probe.
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