The recent death of a 33-year-old Indian merchant navy sailor in Venezuela has raised alarm bells as reports suggest that a second post-mortem test conducted in India found several organs missing inside his body.
This includes the family members of Rakesh Chauhan who is from Deoria District in Uttar Pradesh along with the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) who are demanding an explanation on how and why he died from Venezuelan authorities and intervention from the Indian government.
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According to family members, Chauhan had travelled to Venezuela in November 2025 as part of the crew of a merchant vessel. They were informed in May that he had died, allegedly due to cardiac arrest.
Second post-mortem raises fresh questions
In a statement posted on X, the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India claimed that Chauhan’s family sought a second post-mortem after his body arrived in Deoria. According to the organisation, the examination revealed that several internal organs were absent.
The union alleged that the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, thyroid gland, hyoid bone, larynx and trachea were missing from the body.
The organisation further claimed that the body bore extensive stitching marks, including incisions extending from the neck to the pubic region and across the head. It also stated that the body had remained in deep freeze for nearly a month.
According to the FSUI, the absence of internal organs meant that doctors were unable to determine the exact cause of death during the second post-mortem.
The union said the findings raise serious concerns regarding transparency, the treatment of Indian seafarers abroad and the handling of the case by foreign authorities.
Family alleges lack of information from company
Rakesh Chauhan’s father, Ram Dev Chauhan, alleged that the family received conflicting information regarding his son’s condition and death.
“We were kept in the dark. An initial post-mortem had already been conducted, but a second one ordered by the district magistrate revealed that organs were missing from the body, and the cause of death could not be determined. We demand that the government take action against the company and conduct an investigation,” he said.
According to the family, company representatives initially informed them that Chauhan had suffered injuries after falling aboard the ship and was undergoing treatment. They were later told that his condition was critical before receiving confirmation of his death.
The family also alleged that although they were promised that the body would be returned within a week, it reached Deoria nearly a month later.
FSUI seeks investigation and diplomatic intervention
After the body arrived in India, doctors initially declined to conduct another post-mortem, citing indications that an autopsy had already been performed. A second examination was later ordered by the district administration.
According to the reported findings, multiple vital organs were absent, while the body had remained preserved in deep freeze between May 7 and June 5.
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The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India has demanded a detailed investigation into Chauhan’s death, the release of the complete autopsy report from Venezuela, accountability from the authorities involved and intervention by the Indian Embassy.
The organisation noted that while organs are sometimes removed during post-mortem examinations for forensic analysis, neither the family nor the organisation had received any official explanation or medical documentation regarding the circumstances of Chauhan’s death.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by Venezuelan authorities regarding the allegations.
FAQs
Q1. Who was Rakesh Chauhan?
Rakesh Chauhan was a 33-year-old merchant navy sailor of India hailing from Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.
Q2. Why has there been a controversy over his death?
As per reports, his second post-mortem test done in India found many organs missing.
