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'Brain, Heart, Lungs, Intestines Missing': Indian Sailor's Body Returned From Venezuela Without Major Organs, Family Seeks Justice

Webdunia | July 1, 2026 6:40 PM CST

The death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela has sparked serious concerns after his body was reportedly returned to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh without a detailed autopsy report or information from the Venezuelan authorities. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has questioned the circumstances surrounding his death and demanded a fresh investigation. Indian Post-Mortem Raises Serious Questions

According to FSUI, Chauhan's family requested a second post-mortem after his mortal remains arrived in India. The union claims the official autopsy conducted in India revealed a shocking finding—none of the major internal organs were present in the body.

As per the post-mortem report cited by FSUI, the following organs were missing:

Brain
Heart
Both lungs
Liver
Kidneys
Spleen
Pancreas
Stomach
Intestines
Thyroid
Hyoid bone
Larynx
Trachea

The report further stated that due to the absence of these vital organs, the exact cause of death could not be determined.

Extensive Stitching Found on the Body

FSUI also alleged that the body had already undergone extensive surgical stitching before it reached India.

According to the union, the Indian post-mortem documented:

22 stitches running from the neck to the pubic symphysis.
21 stitches extending from one ear to the other across the head.

The report reportedly found no clear signs of antemortem (pre-death) injuries. It also noted that the body had been kept in a deep freezer for nearly one month before being repatriated to India.

FSUI Demands Investigation

Calling the incident "unacceptable," the Forward Seamen's Union of India has raised serious questions over the handling of the case by Venezuelan authorities.

The union has urged the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Venezuela to intervene and has demanded:

A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chauhan's death.
Accountability from the Venezuelan authorities.
Immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy in Venezuela.
The complete autopsy report and all details related to the death.
Justice and adequate compensation for the deceased sailor's family.

FSUI said seafarers should not become "scapegoats" and called for transparency in the handling of cases involving Indian crew members working overseas.