Family of Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela alleges irregularities, seeks autopsy report
The family of Rakesh Chauhan, an Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela, has raised questions about the handling of his case and demanded the release of the complete autopsy report, according to a statement from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).
The union said the family has flagged what it describes as 'deeply disturbing irregularities' and is seeking urgent clarification from authorities.
According to the union, the family has raised several specific concerns: vital organs were removed from Chauhan's body without the family's knowledge or consent; the family was allegedly kept uninformed of developments until they arranged a re-postmortem examination in India; the receipt for the mortal remains was reportedly issued with a forged signature bearing the name 'Anjana Chauraisya' instead of 'Ranjana Chaurasiya,' who signed on behalf of Chauhan's wife; and the name of the vessel listed in Chauhan's employment agreement does not match the vessel on which he was actually posted.
The union stated that these discrepancies 'raise grave suspicions of foul play and a possible cover-up,' though the specific circumstances of Chauhan's death have not been independently established.
The FSUI has called on the Embassy of India in Venezuela and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene urgently. It has demanded securing and releasing the complete autopsy and post-mortem report from Venezuelan authorities; ordering a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Chauhan's death and the handling of his remains; and ensuring justice, accountability and adequate compensation for the bereaved family.
The Embassy of India in Venezuela and the Ministry of External Affairs have not yet issued a public response.
