22 cuts, missing brain, heart, lungs: Body of Indian sailor returns from Venezuela

The family of an Indian sailor, who died on duty in Venezuela in May, has alleged that after his body reached India nearly a month later, an autopsy revealed that several of his internal organs, including his brain, liver and heart, were missing. The shocking revelation has prompted the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) to question the transport of the body without release of the autopsy report or update from Venezuelan authorities. The union has also demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

Rakesh Chauhan, 33, lived in Mumbai with his wife, six-month-old son, father and brother. The family is originally from Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district. He worked as a marine fitter in Venezuela, having joined the Merchant Navy in November 2025. On May 7, his father, Ramdev Chauhan, received a call from the company where his son worked, and was told that the 33-year-old had fallen on board the shop and sustained injuries. The following day, the family were allegedly told that his condition was critical with only a five per cent chance of survival. Later that evening, the company informed the family that Rakesh had died. The company alleged he fell due to dizziness, suffered serious injuries and succumbed during treatment, apparently from a heart attack.

But the missing organs in his body have raised suspicion among his family members. In a long statement on X, the FSUI demanded "a full autopsy report of Rakesh Chauhan and immediate clarification on several deeply disturbing irregularities in the handling of his case in Venezuela".

"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 statement read.

The union has demanded justice, accountability, and adequate compensation for Rakesh Chauhan's family. "Seafarers' lives and dignity cannot be treated with such callousness," the statement added.

After Rakesh's body reached India, a team of doctors examined it but did not conduct an autopsy, citing that it had already been carried out. This shocked the family as they claimed that they had not been informed by Rakesh's company that a post-mortem had already been conducted abroad. Following directions from Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi, a second post-mortem was carried out.

According to the family, doctors found that all of Rakesh's internal organs were missing, making it impossible to determine the exact cause of death as no viscera remained for forensic examination. India Today accessed the report of the autopsy that was conducted in Deoria, and it revealed that his brain, heart, spleen, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, both kidneys, lungs and intestines, coronary arteries and urinary bladder were missing, among other organs. Additionally, as many as 22 stitches were found on his body, from his neck to his public region and from left to right ear.

The family has accused the company of withholding crucial information and has sought a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rakesh's death. They have also demanded financial compensation.

Rakesh's mother died from Covid. His family spent lakhs of rupees to facilitate his journey to Venezuela, with the hope that their financial status would improve. His wife, Ranjana, is currently residing with their son at her parents' house. She is in constant touch with the Indian Embassy and has demanded action against the company.

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(Inputs from Ram Pratap Singh)