Kandivli Sailor's Remains Return to Mumbai After Fatal Oman Missile Strike
The charred remains of Kandivli seafarer Dixit Solanki, aged 32, who was tragically killed in an alleged missile strike on his tanker off the coast of Oman on March 1, were transported to Mumbai from Sharjah in the early hours of Sunday. This sailor is counted among the first Indian victims of the ongoing West Asia conflict, marking a somber milestone in the regional tensions.
Family Refuses Last Rites, Demands DNA Confirmation
Solanki's family has firmly refused to perform the last rites until a DNA test conclusively confirms his identity. In a significant legal move, their advocate is set to seek directions from the Bombay High Court on Monday, requesting that the government refer the matter to the Kalina forensic laboratory for thorough analysis. The advocate emphasized the situation by using the term "remains" in discussions with TOI, noting there was no intact "body" or "corpse" due to the severe nature of the incident.
Despite the shipping ministry stating that there was only one casualty onboard and identification had been established, the family remains skeptical. The remains were ferried aboard a cargo flight to Mumbai, as confirmed by a Director General of Shipping official, highlighting the logistical efforts involved in the repatriation process.
Legal Petition and Swift Repatriation
Dixit's father, Amratlal, aged 64 and a former seafarer himself, along with his sister Mitali, aged 33, had petitioned the Bombay High Court on Thursday. They sought swift repatriation of his remains, given that nearly a month had passed since his death. Remarkably, the coffin arrived within three days of their plea, demonstrating a prompt response to their legal appeal.
At 7 am on Sunday, Amratlal collected the body after obtaining the necessary clearance certificate from the Sahar Police. The family then transported the corpse to JJ Hospital in Byculla, specifically requesting DNA identification to ensure accuracy. Mitali Solanki told TOI, "We want a DNA test and are in contact with government authorities," underscoring their determination for verification.
Ongoing Concerns and Family Background
Amratlal claims that he has not received any written documentation confirming a positive DNA test, adding to the family's distress. An officer from the Charkop police station, under whose jurisdiction the family resides, noted, "He said he will perform the final rites only after confirmation," reflecting the emotional and procedural hurdles they face.
The Solanki family hails from Ghogla in Diu and currently lives in Kandivli's Mahavir Nagar, bringing a personal dimension to this tragic event that has resonated within the local community and beyond.
