Premium

Himachal sailor detained in US returns home days before brother’s wedding

The tanker, Marinera, was reportedly carrying crude oil and was on its way to Russia when it was intercepted in the North Atlantic last month. Kangra resident Rikshit Chauhan and two other Indians were subsequently detained.

2 min readShimlaFeb 2, 2026 11:03 AM IST

Indian sailor rikshit chauhan Himachal Kangra

Sailor Rikshit Chauhan (in red Himachali cap) at his home in Palampur, Kangra with local BJP leader Trilok Kapoor (second from right) after his return from the US on Sunday. (Express Photo)

Himachal Pradesh native Rikshit Chauhan, who was among the three Indians detained by the US authorities after they seized an oil tanker operating under the Russian flag last month, has returned to his residence at Palampur in Kangra district after being released.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Rikshit’s father Ranjit Singh Chauhan said he reached home early on Sunday. “He is absolutely fine. I would like to thank all those who made all possible efforts to make his return possible. We are delighted to see Rikshit back. His elder brother’s marriage is to take place on February 19.”

He added that Rikshit was very tired after the ordeal. “We advised him to take complete rest. He told us that he was treated very gently along with the others after their ship was detained,” Ranjit said.

Meanwhile, details are yet to emerge regarding the other two sailors who were detained along with Rikshit. The tanker, Marinera — earlier known as Bella 1 — had been chartered by a private trader and was reportedly carrying crude oil linked to Venezuela. It was on its way to Russia when it was intercepted by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic, reportedly for sanctions-related violations.

There was no communication between Rikshit and his family members after his ship was seized in the first week of January. From January 26, however, he began to contact them and on January 29, he informed them of his return.

The family said Rikshit had joined the Merchant Navy in August last year and this was his first assignment at sea. His elder brother is a bank manager posted in Palampur, while his mother Reeta Devi is a homemaker.

His father Ranjit, who is a clerk with the Revenue Department in Palampur, had said that the family had been living in constant anxiety after the ship was seized, with no official communication from any government authority. Following the incident, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail contacted the family and assured them of all possible assistance. Later, former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited the family.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...