SHANI FROM BUXAR STRANDED IN MIDDLE EAST

SHANI FROM BUXAR STRANDED IN MIDDLE EAST

5-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR---------------------------Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, news that a young man from Buxar district is stranded on a merchant vessel has cast a pall of deep anxiety over his family. Shani Kumar, a 29-year-old resident of Kumhar Toli in Sohanipatti (Ward No. 23, under the Nagar Police Station jurisdiction), has been stranded on his ship within Iranian territorial waters for several weeks.

According to available information, Shani Kumar is employed in the Merchant Navy. He departed from Mumbai Airport for Dubai on June 3, 2025, to join his duties. From Dubai, he was assigned the responsibility of transporting four-wheeled vehicles to Iran via the sea route. During this voyage, a conflict situation erupted in the Middle East, resulting in his ship being stranded at sea for over a month.

According to his family members, the situation of the crew members aboard the ship is deteriorating steadily. Shani Kumar's father, 66-year-old Shivji Prasad, stated that they have been unable to maintain regular contact with his son. He mentioned that three days ago, Shani managed to speak with his daughter-in-law, Vinita Devi, during which he reported a severe shortage of food and water on the ship.

Appealing to the Government of India, Shivji Prasad urged that necessary measures be taken as soon as possible to ensure his son's safe return to his homeland. He also shared that Shani Kumar's mother, Aarti Devi, had passed away in 2024. Shani had married Vinita Devi in ​​2023, and the couple has a two-year-old son named Satvik.

Currently, Shani Kumar's wife and son reside in Jhapiya, Lal Bihra—near the Prayagraj Airport—while his other relatives live in their ancestral village in Buxar. His family also includes his elder sister, Poonam Kumari, and his younger sister, Jyoti Kumari.

Shani Kumar's uncle, Shashi Kumar—a retired serviceman—also appealed to the Central Government to intervene, emphasizing that the entire family is deeply distressed and earnestly desires Shani's safe return at the earliest. Shani Kumar received his early education in Buxar, while he completed his Matriculation, Intermediate, and Graduation studies at Allahabad University. Subsequently, he underwent Merchant Navy training in Bengaluru and began working on foreign vessels.

It is reported that, due to the disruption of maritime routes caused by the ongoing conflict, several Indian sailors—including Shani Kumar—have become stranded at sea. Their families have appealed to the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene promptly and ensure the safe return of all Indian citizens.