HP Sailor Detained by US Reassures Family of Swift Homecoming After Communication Gap
In a heartening development for a distressed family in Himachal Pradesh, Rikshit Chauhan, a sailor detained by US authorities, has conveyed to his parents that he will be returning home shortly once certain document-related formalities are completed. This communication, which resumed on January 26 after a prolonged silence since January 7, has brought a wave of relief to his loved ones in Palampur, Kangra district.
Communication Resumes After Weeks of Uncertainty
Rikshit made his first call to his father, Ranjit Singh Chauhan, on the morning of January 26 at around 8:30 AM, marking the end of a nearly three-week communication blackout. Since that initial contact, the family has engaged in at least four conversations with him, with the latest occurring on the evening of January 29. During these calls, Rikshit informed his family that he is currently located somewhere near Scotland and expressed confidence about his imminent return.
Ranjit Singh Chauhan shared with The Indian Express, "My younger son, Rikshit, has been in contact since January 26. He claimed that he is somewhere near Scotland and will be returned home shortly. We had no idea that he would call us on January 26; it is a profound relief for us. We have promptly informed the district administration, including the Kangra Deputy Commissioner and other officials, about these positive developments."
Family's Emotional Journey and Upcoming Celebrations
The sailor's detention had plunged his family into deep distress, with his father previously emphasizing that only high-level diplomatic intervention, potentially involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could secure his release. Rikshit, who joined the Merchant Navy in August last year and was on his first sea assignment, comes from a close-knit family. His elder brother, Dikshit, is a bank manager posted in Palampur, and their mother, Reeta Devi, is a homemaker. Ranjit Singh himself works as a clerk in Palampur's revenue department.
Adding to the emotional weight of the situation, Dikshit is scheduled to get married on February 22. Rikshit has assured his father that he will be able to attend this significant family event, stating that the delay is solely due to ongoing document formalities. This assurance has provided a glimmer of hope amidst the anxiety that has gripped the household since the incident.
Background of the Detention and Local Support
Rikshit was detained in the first week of January when the oil tanker Marinera, operating under the Russian flag and previously known as Bella 1, was seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The vessel, chartered by a private trader, was reportedly carrying crude oil linked to Venezuela and en route to Russia when it was intercepted for sanctions-related violations.
Following the detention, the family experienced constant anxiety due to a lack of official communication from government authorities. In response, local MLA Ashish Butail contacted them, offering all possible assistance. Later, former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited the family to express solidarity and support during this challenging time.
This case highlights the complexities of international maritime incidents and the critical role of diplomatic channels in resolving such matters, while also underscoring the personal toll on families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
