Remains Of Indian Seafarer Reach Mumbai After 35 Days, Family Refuses Last Rites Without A DNA Test

The body of Dixit Solanki, a 32-year-old Indian seafarer who died in a suspected missile strike on a tanker near Oman, was brought to Mumbai on April 5 after a wait of more than a month.

His family, however, has decided not to perform the last rites until a DNA test confirms that the remains are his.

Solanki was working as an oiler on the oil tanker MT MKD Vyom in the Arabian Sea when an explosion and fire broke out on March 1. The vessel was carrying around 59,000 metric tonnes of gasoline at the time.

According to a report shared by the ship’s manager, V Ships India Pvt Ltd, the blast happened on the starboard side above the waterline, causing a hole in the hull and a fire in the engine room.

He was on duty in the engine room when the incident took place. He was first reported missing, but was later found near the damaged section of the vessel.

The ship’s master declared him dead. He is considered the first Indian casualty linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The attack took place around 70 nautical miles off Muscat. After the explosion, all 21 crew members left the vessel and were rescued by another tanker.

The company later informed the Directorate General of Shipping on March 3 that the ship had been abandoned and was being towed towards Khor Fakkan or Fujairah. It also said that the vessel was difficult to board due to safety risks.

In the days that followed, the family said they were not getting clear information. On March 4, his sister raised the issue with authorities, saying the uncertainty was causing distress.

The family also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on March 5 and 8, asking for help in bringing back the body.

On March 18, the company informed them that the remains had been recovered and were with forensic authorities.

Later, the Indian Consulate in Dubai told the family that the remains would be handed over to Sharjah Police for further formalities and a death certificate.

As the remains did not return even after that, the family moved the Bombay High Court on April 2, asking for urgent action.

The petition said there was no clear information about the recovery and asked for the remains to be brought back quickly. It also asked for investigation and forensic records. The case was scheduled to be heard on April 6.

Officials said the death certificate was shared with the family on April 2 and a notarised authorisation letter was requested, which the family submitted the next day. The Directorate General of Shipping later directed the company to arrange the earliest flight.

The remains finally arrived in Mumbai early on April 5 in a wooden crate at the airport’s cargo terminal. The family waited for hours outside, completing paperwork and speaking to officials.

Only one person was allowed inside, and Solanki’s father chose to go in. After more checks, the remains were handed over. The family then took them to a mortuary.

Despite this, the family has refused to carry out the last rites. They said they have not been given any written confirmation of a DNA match.

The remains have been taken to a hospital for testing, and the family is in touch with authorities for further steps. They are also likely to approach the court again to request that samples be sent to a forensic laboratory in Mumbai.

The family has also raised concerns about the lack of direct communication with the crew who were rescued. They said they were not allowed to speak to them or record any conversation.

They also said that Solanki’s personal belongings, including his bag, laptop and phone, have not been returned.

His father said he still has questions about what happened on the ship and wants full details, including reports and evidence. The family said they have waited over 35 days and can wait a few more days, but they want full confirmation before performing the final rites.

References: Timesnownews, Firstpost