The Indian Embassy in Caracas has called on Venezuelan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the remains of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan, a 33-year-old from Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh.
In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it has requested a full investigation and has remained in continuous contact with Venezuelan authorities since the incident came to light.
The Embassy of India, Caracas has sought a thorough investigation by Venezuelan authorities on the desecration and removal of organs of the mortal remains of late Shri. Rakesh Chauhan. Mission has continued to pursue this matter with the concerned local authorities since the…
— India in Venezuela (@IndiaVenezuela) July 2, 2026
According to reports, Rakesh Chauhan died on May 7, 2026, in Punto Fijo, Falcón State, Venezuela, while working aboard a merchant vessel. Venezuelan authorities initially attributed his death to acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and hypertensive heart disease.
His body was repatriated to India about a month later through Kronos Marine Agency C.A., without a detailed autopsy report or complete medical documentation, according to his family and the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI).
A post-mortem examination in India allegedly revealed that multiple vital organs were missing, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, spleen, and gall bladder.
The examination also reportedly found extensive incisions, including a 60-centimeter cut from the neck to the pubic region and a 20-centimeter incision across the head, raising serious concerns about unauthorized handling of the body.
Chauhan’s family and the FSUI have demanded a high-level investigation, the release of all autopsy records from Venezuela, accountability for the circumstances surrounding his death, and possible compensation.
They also allege documentation irregularities, including a receipt for the remains allegedly signed using a forged signature of Chauhan’s wife, and question whether the death was properly investigated in Venezuela.
The case has received widespread attention in India, with calls for the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure transparency and justice for Indian workers overseas.
The Indian Embassy has stated that it is actively monitoring the case and remains in contact with Venezuelan officials.
As of now, Venezuelan authorities have not issued a detailed public response, and there has been no official confirmation of organ trafficking. The investigation is ongoing, while the Government of India continues to seek clarity regarding the handling of Chauhan’s remains and the exact circumstances of his death.
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About The Author
Maria Herrera Mellado
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada y analista política muy respetada. Licenciada en Derecho en EE.UU. y España, también tiene un doctorado en Ciencias Jurídicas y varios títulos de la Universidad de Granada (España), de la Universidad de Arizona y de la Florida International University. Con amplia experiencia en derecho internacional, asesoría en inversiones, representación en inmigración, y protección de la privacidad y lucha anticorrupción, ha asesorado a organizaciones y políticos europeos, estadounidenses e hispanoamericanos. Ha escrito sobre seguridad nacional e inmigración, protección de datos, derecho constitucional, consumo financiero y derecho bancario en revistas internacionales y coescribió libros publicados en Perú y Colombia. Es reconocida por su servicio comunitario en EE.UU. y es considerada una de las mujeres más influyentes de Florida. Es experta en varios idiomas y participa frecuentemente en debates en canales como Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo y es la Editora Jefe de Gateway Hispanic.
