Autopsy Reveals All Organs Missing From Indian Sailor Who Died In Venezuela

The family of a 33-year-old Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela has demanded a thorough investigation after a post-mortem conducted in Uttar Pradesh allegedly found several internal organs missing from his body. Rakesh Chauhan, a resident of Deoria district, had travelled to Venezuela in November 2025 as a crew member on a merchant vessel. The case has drawn attention after the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) called for a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of his remains.

According to the family, they were informed by Chauhan's employer that he had sustained injuries after falling on the ship and was undergoing treatment. They later received another call stating that his condition had become critical before being informed of his death. The company reportedly told the family that the body would be returned within a week, but the remains reached Deoria nearly a month later. The family has questioned the explanation provided regarding the cause of death and has sought action against the company.

The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India alleged that Chauhan's body was repatriated without an autopsy report or detailed documentation from Venezuelan authorities. The organisation stated that a second post-mortem conducted in India allegedly revealed the absence of multiple internal organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. It also claimed that the body bore extensive surgical stitching, while doctors were unable to determine the cause of death because of the absence of internal organs.

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According to the family, doctors in Deoria initially declined to conduct another post-mortem, observing that an autopsy appeared to have already been performed. A second examination was later carried out following directions from the District Magistrate. The post-mortem report reportedly documented extensive incisions and noted that several vital organs were absent. However, the report did not establish the exact cause of Chauhan's death, further intensifying the family's concerns.

FSUI has urged the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Venezuela to seek a comprehensive investigation into the case. The organisation has demanded that Venezuelan authorities provide the original autopsy report and explain the circumstances surrounding Chauhan's death. It has also called for accountability from all concerned authorities and compensation for the bereaved family, stating that greater protection is needed for Indian seafarers working overseas.

Medical experts note that organs are sometimes removed during an autopsy for forensic examination and laboratory analysis. However, the family's concerns stem from the absence of any official explanation or autopsy documentation from Venezuelan authorities regarding the procedure and the reported cause of death. As investigations continue, the family has appealed for transparency and a full inquiry to establish how Chauhan died and whether all legal and medical procedures were properly followed.

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