Mumbai: The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) 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.
This happened after a second autopsy of the body in India revealed that several of the seaman’s internal organs – including the heart, lungs, brain and intestines – were missing.
After Rakesh Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh died while working for a Venezuelan shipping compan, the reason was cited to be acute myocardial infarction (cardiac arrest).
His mortal remains were sent back to his hometown without any autopsy report or details from Venezuelan authorities. The family then demanded re-autopsy and the report revealed a horrifying truth.
Chauhan’s brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines were missing, the FSUI said, as reported by The Times of India.
The post-mortem report also said that that the body showed extensive prior stitching (22 stitches neck to pubic symphysis + 21 stitches ear to ear). No antemortem injuries noted. It was also mentioned that the body was kept in deep freeze for nearly a month. The cause of death could not be determined as all organs were missing.
The union has called it “unacceptable” that “seafarers are becoming scapegoats” and made three demands.
It wants a full investigation and accountability from Venezuelan authorities, immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy in Venezuela, and a complete autopsy report, circumstances of death.
It has also demanded compensation for the family. The family is demanding the complete autopsy report from Venezuela and clarification on what it called “deeply disturbing irregularities” in the handling of the case.
How could vital organs be removed from Chauhan’s body “without informing the family or seeking their consent”, the FSUI has wanted to know. It is also questioning why the family was allegedly kept unaware until it sought a second post-mortem in India.
Discrepancies in official documents have also been alleged. 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, the union has claimed.
The vessel named in the employment agreement did not match the ship on which Chauhan was actually deployed, it has said.
“These discrepancies raise grave suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up. What is being hidden?” the FSUI said.
It has 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.
