Black Sea attack: Merchant Navy officer's family refuses cremation, seeks martyr status
Following a brutal attack in the Black Sea, the remains of Merchant Navy chief officer Sagar Gupta were brought back to Kanpur. His family, deeply affected by the loss, has declared they will not conduct any last rites until specific demands are fulfilled, including martyr recognition, financial compensation, and employment for his widow.
Kanpur: The family of Merchant Navy officer Sagar Gupta, who perished in a drone attack off the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has refused to carry out his cremation. After 18 days of his body arriving in Kanpur, the family is demanding the government bestow him with martyr status, a compensation of Rs 2 crores, and a government job for his widow.
Sagar, 37, had initially aided eight crew members to safety before his untimely death. His wife Shalu, mother Ramadevi, and other relatives were visibly emotional upon receiving his body. His elder brother draped the coffin with the Indian flag, demanding official honors from the government, but none have been forthcoming. Sagar's niece Puja Gupta, questioning why it took 18 days for his body to return, reiterated that he deserves the status of a martyr given that he served between two nations.
She further demanded a government job for his widow and a compensation of Rs 2 crores for the couple's two young children. Expressing disappointment with the government's response, Puja threatened that unless her demands are met, the family might take extreme measures. Sagar Gupta was killed on July 18 when the commercial vessel MV Omorfi was targeted by a drone in the Black Sea.
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