Indian Sailor Rakesh Chauhan’s Family Alleges Brain, Lungs, Kidney and Other Organs Missing After Venezuela Death
Family of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan has alleged that several organs, including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys, were missing when his body was returned from Venezuela after his death while on duty. A second autopsy in India reportedly found all major organs absent. The FSUI has demanded an investigation and MEA intervention, while authorities have not yet responded.
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The family of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan, whose body was repatriated from Venezuela after his death while on duty, has alleged that several internal organs, including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys, were missing from his remains. The claim has triggered calls from the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Chauhan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, reportedly died in Venezuela under unclear circumstances while working as a crew member aboard a merchant navy vessel. His body was returned to India nearly a month after his death, without what the family says was adequate documentation or a post-mortem report from Venezuelan authorities. Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 1,450 As 430 Aftershocks Shake Disaster-Hit Region.
Indian Sailor Rakesh Chauhan’s Family Alleges Organs Missing from Body
वेनेजुएला में ड्यूटी के दौरान जान गंवाने वाले भारतीय नाविक राकेश चौहान की बॉडी से दिमाग, फेफड़े, लंग्स, लिवर, किडनी सहित कई अंग गायब मिले हैं। फैमिली ने ऐसा आरोप लगाया है।
राकेश उत्तर प्रदेश में जिला देवरिया के रहने वाले थे। वह मर्चेंट नेवी में थे। 8 मई को फैमिली को जानकारी दी… pic.twitter.com/UQfdUIgfsm
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) July 1, 2026
⚠️ 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
Family Alleges Missing Organs After Second Autopsy
The allegations surfaced after a second post-mortem examination conducted in India reportedly found that several key internal organs were absent from the body. According to the FSUI, the findings included the absence of the brain, heart, both lungs, liver, kidneys and several other vital organs.
The union said in a post on X: "Family demanded a 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 and Trachea -- Missing." UK Detains Indian Merchant Navy Captain Ajay Pant of Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker MV Smyrtos; Uttarakhand Family Seeks Government Intervention.
The union further said, "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)."
Medical experts note that certain organs may sometimes be removed during forensic autopsies. However, in this case, the absence of official documentation from Venezuelan authorities has intensified concerns raised by the family, the union added.
FSUI Calls for Investigation and MEA Intervention
The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the case.
The union has also sought intervention from the Indian Embassy in Venezuela and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.
In its statement, FSUI said: "This is unacceptable. Seafarers are becoming scapegoats. We demand a full investigation and accountability from Venezuelan authorities, immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy in Venezuela, complete autopsy report, circumstances of death, and justice + compensation for the family,"
The union has also called for the release of all official post-mortem documents and clarity on the circumstances of Chauhan’s death.
According to the family, Chauhan travelled to Venezuela in November 2025 as part of his job in the merchant navy. He reportedly died in May 2026, allegedly following injuries sustained on board.
The shipping company informed the family that he had suffered injuries after a fall and later died while receiving treatment. However, the family says the details provided by the company were inconsistent and unclear.
They further alleged that although they were told the body would be returned within a week, it was handed over to them only on June 4, nearly a month after his death.
A second autopsy in Deoria reportedly found that all key internal organs were missing, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other vital organs. Authorities have not independently verified the FSUI’s claims regarding the findings.
There has been no official response yet from Venezuelan authorities, the shipping company, or the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the allegations. The family has demanded a full investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances of death and to clarify the handling of the body before repatriation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2026 08:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
