Brain, heart, lungs missing: Indian sailor's body returned from Venezuela with 22 surgical cuts; family seeks answers

When the body reached Deoria, local doctors initially declined to conduct another post-mortem, noting that an autopsy appeared to have already been performed abroad. A fresh examination was carried out only after the District Magistrate issued an order.

More from India

The post-mortem reportedly revealed extensive surgical incisions. According to the report, the body had 22 stitches along a 60-cm incision extending from the neck to the pubic region, and 21 stitches across a 20-cm incision running from one ear to the other across the back of the head. It also noted that the body had been kept in deep freeze between May 7 and June 5 and showed signs of skin peeling.

More significantly, the examination allegedly found that several vital organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, spleen and gall bladder, were missing, along with other internal tissues. Doctors reportedly said the absence of these organs made it impossible to conclusively determine the exact cause of death.

Family alleges lack of transparency

Chauhan had travelled to Venezuela in November 2025 to work aboard a merchant vessel. His family said he had been recruited by a company identified as Xfinity.

His father, Ram Dev Chauhan, alleged that while the company informed the family about his son's death, it shared little information about the circumstances leading to it. He also claimed the company initially assured them that the body would be returned within 60 days, per CNN-News18.

According to the family, company officials first said Chauhan had fallen aboard the ship, suffered serious injuries and was undergoing treatment. The following morning, they were informed that his chances of survival were only five per cent. Later that evening, the company confirmed his death, allegedly attributing it to injuries sustained in the fall.

The family further claimed that although the company had promised to return the body within a week, it reached Deoria only on June 4, nearly a month later.

Union seeks MEA intervention

The FSUI has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Caracas to seek accountability from Venezuelan authorities. It has demanded a transparent investigation into Chauhan's death, disclosure of who authorised the removal of the organs, and compensation for the bereaved family.

The case is now being closely monitored by maritime welfare bodies, while the family awaits answers and the MEA is expected to examine the matter.