Family of Indian seafarer killed in Strait of Hormuz demands justice from Centre

Shimla: Over a month after 23-year-old Merchant Navy cadet Aditya Sharma was killed in a missile strike near the Strait of Hormuz, his family has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure international accountability. Meeting Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, the family sought central intervention to fix responsibility for the death of innocent civilian sailors in international waters.  

Aditya Sharma was among three Indian seafarers who lost their lives when a strike targeted an unarmed commercial vessel transiting the volatile Gulf shipping lane. Despite the passage of several weeks, the family alleged that no official investigation report has been made public and no entity has been held accountable for the tragedy.  

Demand for Accountability: The family stressed that they seek justice rather than financial compensation, urging India to firmly raise the matter with international authorities.  State Government Assurance: Chief Minister Sukhu expressed deep condolences and assured the family that he would write to the Central Government to pursue the matter during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.  

Safety of Merchant Crew: Maritime unions and victims' relatives have reiterated concerns over the rising risks faced by civilian seafarers operating in regional conflict zones.The bereaved father, Rajesh Sharma, stated that his son was on an unarmed merchant ship with no involvement in regional geopolitics. The family urged the Union Government to ensure that the circumstances leading to the fatal strike are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served for all impacted seafarers.