Family Alleges Non-Cooperation in Search for Missing Odia Merchant Navy Cadet
The family of missing Odia merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra has raised serious allegations of non-cooperation against officials of Anglo-Eastern, the company operating the vessel EA Jersey. Sarthak went missing off the Mauritius coast on February 3, and his family has been desperately seeking answers about his disappearance for over two weeks.
Restricted Access During Singapore Visit
Sarthak's mother, Rashmita Mohapatra, and uncle, Santosh Sahu, traveled to Singapore on Sunday after the vessel docked at a local port there. Their hopes for a thorough investigation were quickly dashed when they were only permitted to enter the cabin previously used by Sarthak. According to Sahu, they were explicitly denied access to other areas of the vessel and the containers on board.
"We hoped to get some clarity on the situation that led to his disappearance but we were not allowed into any other part of the vessel or to interact with anyone," Sahu stated, expressing the family's frustration with the limited cooperation from company officials.
Alleged Interference and Inconsistencies
The situation escalated when Sahu attempted to speak with other crew members. Two human resources officials from Anglo-Eastern reportedly intervened and stopped him from having these conversations. While two senior officials from India's directorate-general of shipping accompanied the family and interacted with the crew, Sahu claimed there were noticeable inconsistencies in the statements provided by different parties.
The family made specific requests for a dog squad and a scientific team to examine the vessel thoroughly, but these crucial investigative measures were not arranged according to their allegations.
Meeting with Indian High Commissioner
On Monday, Rashmita Mohapatra and Santosh Sahu met with the Indian high commissioner in Singapore, seeking his direct intervention in the case. The high commissioner reportedly assured them of full cooperation in tracing Sarthak, offering some hope to the distressed family members.
Critical Evidence Requests Denied
The family has repeatedly requested access to the vessel's voyage data recorder (VDR) and CCTV footage, which they believe could provide vital clues about Sarthak's disappearance. Earlier communications from the company indicated that these recordings would be shared once the vessel reached Singapore, but this promise was allegedly not fulfilled.
"The company informed them that the VDR and CCTV recordings would be shared once the vessel reached Singapore, but this was not done," Sahu emphasized, highlighting what the family perceives as broken commitments from Anglo-Eastern.
Vessel Departs as Search Continues
Compounding the family's distress, the EA Jersey vessel sailed for China on Monday, taking with it potential evidence and investigation opportunities. Sarthak has now been missing for 14 days, and his family was scheduled to return from Singapore on Tuesday, leaving with more questions than answers about their loved one's fate.
The case continues to develop as authorities and family members seek to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the young merchant navy cadet from Odisha.
