Family Alleges Exploitation and Foul Play
Merchant Navy claims suicide; family suspects murder, cites abuse, religious harassment, and extreme working conditions
Maritime News, Mohali / London : The mysterious death of a 20-year-old Indian seafarer, Balraj Singh, aboard a Merchant Navy ship docked in London has sparked serious allegations of exploitation and abuse at sea. While officials from the Merchant Navy claim the young cadet committed suicide, Balraj’s family insists he was murdered and subjected to religious harassment and harsh working conditions.
A Final Video Call—and Then, Silence
On March 16, Balraj’s family had a 15-minute video call with him at 5 AM IST. According to his father, Vikram Singh, Balraj appeared calm, healthy, and mentally stable. Just hours later, at 9 PM the same day, a Merchant Navy officer called to inform the family that Balraj had died by suicide on the ship.
The sudden and unexplained change in circumstances has left the family deeply suspicious.
“My Son Was Being Harassed for His Faith,” Says Father
When Vikram Singh traveled to London to recover his son’s body, he found it stored in a freezer compartment. During his visit, he claims to have spoken to workers—mostly foreigners, with a few from Bengal and Kerala—who confirmed that Balraj was often harassed by seniors, including for his religious identity.
“He had earlier told us that some crew members made fun of his faith. We asked him to ignore them and stay focused. He eventually seemed settled, but now he’s gone,” said Vikram.
Extreme Work Hours, Physical Suffering Reported
Balraj had also reportedly complained of excessive work hours, allegedly working up to 36 hours straight, without proper rest. This, he said, caused his feet to blister and rot due to prolonged hours in shoes and wet environments.
Although his family raised concerns, Merchant Navy officials denied any overwork, claiming that cadets were only required to work eight hours per day.
Family Demands Investigation, Cites Negligence and Abuse
After returning to India with the body, the family filed a formal request with the Mohali Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), urging for a post-mortem examination to verify the cause of death. The autopsy was conducted by a panel of doctors at the Mohali Civil Hospital.
The family has now begun the process of seeking justice through legal means and intends to file complaints with police and maritime authorities. They are calling for an independent probe into the alleged abuse, unsafe work conditions, and potential criminal negligence.
A Larger Question: Are Indian Seafarers Being Exploited?
This tragic case once again raises serious questions about the safety, rights, and dignity of Indian seafarers employed on international vessels.
With increasing reports of long working hours, poor mental health support, and cultural or religious discrimination, stakeholders are urging the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to enforce stricter oversight of conditions onboard foreign-flagged ships employing Indian nationals.
