Missing brain, heart, lungs raise questions over Indian seafarer's death in Venezuela

The family of an Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela has demanded a thorough investigation after a second post-mortem in India reportedly found several vital organs missing from his body.

The deceased, 33-year-old Rakesh Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, had been working aboard a merchant vessel in Venezuela when he died under circumstances initially described as a cardiac arrest.

According to the family and the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI), Chauhan's body was returned to India without an autopsy report or a clear explanation from Venezuelan authorities.

A re-autopsy ordered in India reportedly found that major internal organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and intestines, were absent, making it impossible for doctors to determine the exact cause of death. The body also reportedly bore extensive surgical stitching, raising further questions about the handling of the remains.

The family has urged the Indian government to intervene and seek answers from Venezuelan authorities, while the FSUI has called for an independent investigation, transparency in the case and compensation for the bereaved family. Authorities have not yet publicly explained the circumstances surrounding the alleged removal of the organs.