The family of a 32-year-old Indian seafarer who died on March 1 in a suspected missile strike on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman amid the West Asia conflict has moved the Bombay High Court, seeking the return of his mortal remains, PTI reported on Friday.
Dixit Solanki was the first Indian national who was killed since the conflict in the region began on February 28.
He was working as an oiler aboard the vessel MT MKD Vyom when the vessel was struck on March 1 by what the company described as a missile, leading to an explosion and a breach in the engine room, The Indian Express reported.
On Thursday, Dixit Solanki’s father, Amratlal Gokal Solanki, and sister, Mitali Solanki filed a petition seeking directions to the Union government to expedite the repatriation of his remains and to share all investigation and forensic records related to the incident.
The respondents include the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Directorate General of Shipping, and V Ships India Private Limited, which manages the vessel, The Indian Express reported.
“It has been 33 days. I want answers,” Amratlal Solanki told The Indian Express. “All we want is his remains with valid certificates and an entire investigation report of the incident along with photo and video evidence.”
As of March 30, eight Indian nationals have died in various incidents since the conflict began in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs has said. Of those who died, three were seafarers.
The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran’s action posed an existential threat to Israel. Washington acts as a guarantor of Israel’s security. Iran has retaliated by striking Israel and US military bases in the region and targeting major cities in Gulf countries.
Tehran has also effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterbody connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, for most international commercial vessels, triggering a global energy crisis. About 20% of global petroleum supply passes through the maritime chokepoint.
Israel has been claiming that Iran is close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, which could alter the regional security balance. Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.
Also Read: Hundreds of Tamil Nadu fishermen are stuck in Iran – many of them on their boats
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