The family of an Indian sailor who died while on duty in Venezuela in May has alleged that when his body was returned to India nearly a month later, a subsequent autopsy revealed that several internal organs, including his brain, heart and liver, were missing. The revelation has raised serious concerns and prompted the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) to question why the body was transported without the family receiving an autopsy report or any detailed information from Venezuelan authorities. The union has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Rakesh Chauhan, 33, lived in Mumbai with his wife, six-month-old son, father and brother. Originally from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, he had joined the Merchant Navy in November 2025 and was working as a marine fitter in Venezuela.
According to his father, Ramdev Chauhan, the family received a call from Rakesh’s employer on May 7 informing them that he had fallen on board the vessel and sustained injuries. The next day, they were allegedly told that his condition was critical and that his chances of survival were extremely low. Later that evening, the company informed them that he had died.
The company reportedly stated that Rakesh became dizzy, fell, suffered severe injuries and eventually died during treatment, allegedly due to a heart attack.
However, the discovery that several organs were missing from his body has led family members to question the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a detailed statement posted on X, the FSUI demanded the release of Rakesh Chauhan’s complete autopsy report and sought immediate clarification regarding what it described as serious irregularities in the handling of the case in Venezuela.
The union raised several concerns, including why vital organs had allegedly been removed without informing the family or obtaining their consent. It also questioned why relatives were not informed about the autopsy conducted abroad and only learned about it after arranging a second post-mortem examination in India.
The FSUI further pointed to alleged discrepancies in documentation, claiming that the receipt for the mortal remains carried a forged signature under the name “Anjana Chauraisya” instead of “Ranjana Chaurasiya,” who was acting on behalf of the deceased’s wife. The union also alleged that the vessel named in Rakesh’s employment agreement did not match the ship on which he was reportedly serving.
According to the union, these inconsistencies raise serious concerns about possible foul play and a potential cover-up. It urged the Indian Embassy in Venezuela to intervene and seek answers from the relevant authorities.
The organisation has also demanded justice, accountability and adequate compensation for Rakesh Chauhan’s family, stating that the dignity and welfare of seafarers must be protected.
After the body arrived in India, doctors initially examined it but did not conduct a fresh autopsy because records indicated that a post-mortem examination had already been performed overseas. The family claimed they had never been informed by the company that an autopsy had taken place in Venezuela.
Following directions from Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi, a second post-mortem examination was eventually carried out.
According to the family, doctors discovered that multiple internal organs were absent, making it impossible to conclusively establish the cause of death because no viscera remained available for forensic testing.
The autopsy report accessed by India Today reportedly indicated that several organs were missing, including the brain, heart, spleen, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, kidneys, lungs, intestines, coronary arteries and urinary bladder, among others. The report also noted the presence of 22 stitches extending from the neck to the pubic region and from one ear to the other.
The family has accused the employer of withholding important information and has called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rakesh’s death. They have also sought financial compensation.
Rakesh had lost his mother during the Covid-19 pandemic. His family had reportedly invested substantial savings to help him secure employment in Venezuela, hoping it would improve their financial situation.
His wife, Ranjana, is currently living with their infant son at her parents’ home and remains in regular contact with the Indian Embassy while continuing to seek action against the company involved.
