The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has initiated a formal investigation, including a preliminary examination and an independent enquiry by appointed surveyors, into allegations that the mortal remains of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan were repatriated from Venezuela with organs missing. The DGMA has directed the associated Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agency to provide all relevant documentation and has also approached Venezuelan authorities, through the Indian Embassy in Caracas, for their investigation and potential legal action. The DGMA emphasizes its role as custodian of seafarer welfare and urges the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information to prevent distress to the family and to maintain confidence in the investigative process, reiterating that any violations of maritime conventions will be dealt with strictly.

The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has initiated a formal investigation, including a preliminary examination and an independent enquiry by appointed surveyors, into allegations that the mortal remains of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan were repatriated from Venezuela with organs missing. The DGMA has directed the associated Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agency to provide all relevant documentation and has also approached Venezuelan authorities, through the Indian Embassy in Caracas, for their investigation and potential legal action. The DGMA emphasizes its role as custodian of seafarer welfare and urges the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information to prevent distress to the family and to maintain confidence in the investigative process, reiterating that any violations of maritime conventions will be dealt with strictly.

The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has initiated a formal investigation, including a preliminary examination and an independent enquiry by appointed surveyors, into allegations that the mortal remains of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan were repatriated from Venezuela with organs missing. The DGMA has directed the associated Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agency to provide all relevant documentation and has also approached Venezuelan authorities, through the Indian Embassy in Caracas, for their investigation and potential legal action. The DGMA emphasizes its role as custodian of seafarer welfare and urges the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information to prevent distress to the family and to maintain confidence in the investigative process, reiterating that any violations of maritime conventions will be dealt with strictly.

The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has launched a formal investigation into a distressing case involving the mortal remains of deceased Indian seafarer, Rakesh Chauhan, which were reportedly returned to the country with organs missing.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways revealed the DGMA formally launched the probe on Friday. The Mumbai-based maritime regulator has directed the Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agency associated with the case to hand over all relevant records and documentation concerning the seafarer, and a preliminary examination is currently underway to verify the available facts with competent authorities.

This came shortly after the Indian Embassy in Venezuela sought a thorough investigation into allegations that the organs were removed before his mortal remains were repatriated to India from Venezuela.

"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 Rakesh Chauhan. Mission has continued to pursue this matter with the concerned local authorities since the incident came to light," the embassy stated.

Recognising the gravity of the allegations, DGMA also formally approached the Superintendent of Police in the relevant jurisdiction to seek an investigation into what it has described as prima facie allegations, with a view to initiating appropriate legal action wherever warranted. 

In parallel, the Directorate has appointed two surveyors to conduct an independent enquiry under approved Terms of Reference, and this enquiry team has been instructed to submit a factual report within ten working days. 

The findings will subsequently be reviewed and escalated to the appropriate authorities for further action, according to the release.

DGMA, which describes itself as the custodian of the interests and welfare of Indian seafarers and their next of kin, has appealed to the public and media to exercise restraint and avoid circulating unverified or speculative information while the matter remains under investigation. 

The regulator warned that doing so could cause unnecessary distress to seafarers' families and undermine public confidence in the ongoing process. 

The Directorate further reiterated that any violation of the Maritime Labour Convention or other applicable national and international conventions governing seafarer welfare, certification and rights would be dealt with firmly under the existing legal and regulatory framework. 

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