Seaman 2 Sahil Verma. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi/Jammu: A sailor in the Indian Navy, Seaman 2 Sahil Verma, has been reported missing at sea from an Indian naval ship since the last week of February. The Western Naval Command in Mumbai has launched a comprehensive search operation with ships and aircraft, which is still continuing. A high-level board of inquiry has also been ordered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the sailor’s family, who lives in Jammu & Kashmir, is not convinced by the naval response and alleges a cover-up. They have appealed to the prime minister, Narendra Modi, and other authorities to intervene and ensure the safe return of their son. They have also demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.
According to the family, they were informed about their son’s disappearance two days after it happened and that the CCTV cameras on the ship did not record anyone falling into the sea. They claim that they last talked to him on February 25 and nothing is known about what happened to him.
Sahil Verma’s father, Subash Chander, who resides in the Ghou Manhasan area of Jammu, expressed his anguish and frustration over the lack of information and progress in the search operation. “It is astonishing that a soldier went missing from his naval ship and is not traceable. I have been told that the CCTV cameras installed on the ship did not find anyone falling into the sea. Then where is my son?” he asked a reporter at his residence on the outskirts of the city.
He sought justice and knowledge of the whereabouts of his son and requested the intervention of the prime minister, Narendra Modi; defence minister, Rajnath Singh; Union home minister, Amit Shah; and the Jammu & Kashmir lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha.
Sahil Verma’s mother, Rama Kumari, also expressed her suspicion and grief over her son’s mysterious disappearance. “There were 400 people on board the ship and only my son went missing. My prayers and demands are only that my son returns safe and sound,” she said.
The family has received support from their relatives, neighbours and local leaders, who have also urged the authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation and provide answers to the family.
Sahil Verma’s maternal uncle, Gautam, said that his nephew’s disappearance is a perfect case for a CBI probe as they have heard that the ship returned to base for a day before leaving again.
The family hopes that their son will be found soon and reunited with them.
