MUMB
AI:
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
The remains of seafarer Dixit Solanki arrived in Mumbai
missile or drone attack on an oil tanker off
from Sharjah on Sunday. Solanki died in an alleged…
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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,
”
touch with authorities.
Mitali said, adding that the family is in
The family’s advocate is expected to move the B
ombay 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.

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.