Who is Rakesh Chauhan? Indian sailor whose body returned from Venezuela with organs allegedly missing

Rakesh Chauhan, a 33-year-old Indian merchant navy sailor from Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, has become the centre of a controversy after his family alleged that several of his internal organs were missing when his body was returned from Venezuela following his death in May.

The allegations have prompted the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) and the Indian Embassy in Venezuela to seek a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of his remains.

Who was Rakesh Chauhan?

Rakesh Chauhan was a resident of Langra Bazar Tola in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district. He lived in Mumbai with his wife, six-month-old son, father and brother.

He joined the Merchant Navy in November 2025 as a marine fitter through a private company and travelled to Venezuela to work on a merchant vessel. According to his family, they invested lakhs of rupees to help him secure the overseas job in the hope of improving the family's financial condition.

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How did Rakesh Chauhan die?

According to his family, the company informed them on May 7 that Rakesh had fallen on board the vessel after experiencing dizziness and had sustained serious injuries.

The following day, the family was allegedly told that his condition was critical and that he had only a five percent chance of survival. Later that evening, the company informed them that he had died, reportedly due to a heart attack during treatment.

Why has the case sparked controversy?

Nearly a month later, Rakesh's body was brought back to India. Initially, doctors in Deoria did not perform another post-mortem, saying one had already been conducted abroad.

However, the family claimed they had never been informed that an autopsy had been carried out in Venezuela. Following directions from the Deoria District Magistrate, a second post-mortem was conducted.

According to the family, doctors found that nearly all of Rakesh's internal organs were missing, including his brain, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, intestines and urinary bladder. The report also noted 22 stitches extending from his neck to his pubic region and across both ears.

The absence of the organs reportedly made it impossible for doctors to determine the exact cause of death through forensic examination.

What has the family alleged?

Rakesh's family has accused the company of withholding key information about his death and the post-mortem conducted abroad. They have demanded a detailed investigation and financial compensation.

His wife, Ranjana, who is currently staying with her parents along with their infant son, has remained in contact with the Indian Embassy and has sought action against the company.

What has the Seafarers' Union said?

The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) has demanded the release of the complete autopsy report and questioned several alleged irregularities in the case.

The union raised concerns over the alleged removal of organs without the family's knowledge or consent, discrepancies in documentation, including an alleged forged signature on the receipt for the mortal remains, and inconsistencies regarding the vessel on which Rakesh was employed.

The FSUI has called for a comprehensive investigation, accountability and adequate compensation for the family.

India's response

The Indian Embassy in Caracas said it has requested Venezuelan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into both Rakesh Chauhan's death and the alleged removal of organs from his body.

In a post on X, the embassy said it has been pursuing the matter with local authorities since the allegations came to light and is seeking a full investigation into the handling of the deceased seafarer's remains.