'Last rites only after confirmation': Doubts over identity delay funeral of Mumbai sailor killed in missile strike

MUMBAI: A day after the charred remains of seafarer Dixit Solanki were brought to Mumbai from Sharjah, his family has refused to perform the last rites, insisting on DNA confirmation to establish his identity. Solanki, who was killed in a suspected missile or drone attack on an oil tanker off the Oman coast during the ongoing West Asia conflict, is believed to be among the first Indian casualties in the maritime tensions. His father, Amratlal Solanki, and sister Mitali received the remains at Mumbai airport early Sunday after securing clearance from Sahar police. Instead of taking the body home to their Kandivli residence, the family transported it directly to JJ Hospital in Byculla, seeking scientific verification. “We want a DNA test and written confirmation,” Mitali said, adding that the family is in touch with authorities.The family’s advocate is expected to move the Bombay high court seeking directions to send samples to the Kalina forensic laboratory, arguing that there is no conclusive proof yet establishing the identity of the remains. Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping and the shipping ministry have maintained that there was only one casualty onboard and identification has already been established. However, the family claims they have not been provided with any documented DNA confirmation. Police said all formalities, including death certificate, embalming certificate and consulate clearances, were completed before the remains were handed over. “The body was released within 30 minutes of arrival after due verification,” an officer said. The case traces back to March 1, when the vessel MT MKD Vyom was hit by an explosive-laden drone boat in the Gulf of Oman. Solanki, who worked as an oiler, died in the blast. The family had earlier approached the high court seeking expeditious repatriation of the remains, citing lack of clarity and delay by authorities. The coffin reached Mumbai within three days of the plea, but the focus has now shifted to confirming identity before the final rites. Adding to the family’s distress, this is the second bereavement in recent months, with Solanki’s mother having passed away just three months ago.