The death of an Indian seafarer in Venezuela has sparked fresh questions after a post-mortem conducted in Uttar Pradesh allegedly revealed that several of his internal organs were missing.
The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) has also sought a thorough probe into the case. In a post on X, the organisation said Chauhan’s body was returned to his hometown in Deoria without an autopsy report or any official documentation explaining the circumstances of his death from Venezuelan authorities.
⚠️ SHOCKING CASE — Indian Seafarer #RakeshChauhan reported dead in #Venezuela.
Mortal remains sent back to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh without any autopsy report or details from Venezuelan authorities.
Family demanded re-autopsy. The official Post-Mortem Report conducted in… pic.twitter.com/4dGSZtPEfp— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 30, 2026
The quote read “Mortal remains sent back to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh without any autopsy report or details from Venezuelan authorities. Family demanded re-autopsy. The official Post-Mortem Report conducted in India reveals a horrifying truth: NOT A SINGLE ORGAN was found in the body. • Brain — Missing • Heart — Missing • Both Lungs — Missing • Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Pancreas, Stomach, Intestines — ALL Missing • Thyroid, Hyoid, Larynx & Trachea — Missing Body showed extensive prior stitching (22 stitches neck to pubic symphysis + 21 stitches ear to ear). No antemortem injuries noted. Body kept in deep freeze for nearly a month. Cause of death: Could not be determined (all organs absent). This is unacceptable. Seafarers are becoming scapegoats. We demand: 1. Full investigation & accountability from Venezuelan authorities 2. Immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy in Venezuela 3. Complete autopsy report, circumstances of death, and justice + compensation for the family”.
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After the body reached Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, a team of doctors examined it in the presence of police officials. However, they initially declined to conduct a post-mortem, stating that the body appeared to have already undergone an autopsy and that they required an official order before proceeding.
A post-mortem was later carried out following directions from the District Magistrate. According to the findings, doctors reported that Chauhan’s internal organs, including the brain, heart and lungs, were absent at the time of examination, raising further questions about the handling of the body before it was repatriated.
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Rakesh Chauhan, who hailed from Lagda Bazar Tola in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, travelled to Venezuela in November 2025 after joining a merchant vessel through Xfinity. His family said the company informed them of his death and promised to repatriate his body within 60 days.
With the findings raising questions over the absence of key internal organs and the lack of accompanying medical documentation from Venezuela, Chauhan’s family and the FSUI have urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the condition in which his body was returned to India.
