Investigation Launched into Alleged Drone Attack Linked to Kanpur Merchant Navy Officer

The Kanpur district administration has initiated an investigation into the alleged death of a Merchant Navy officer, Sagar Gupta, following a suspected drone attack on a cargo vessel. The Ministry of External Affairs has been contacted for verification and assistance in returning Gupta's body to India. His family reported that he was last in contact on June 17, and concerns arose after a colleague informed them of the incident on July 21. The situation remains unconfirmed by official sources, prompting further inquiries into the matter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 23:39 IST

Investigation Initiated Following Alleged Drone Incident

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), July 29 - In light of a suspected drone strike on a cargo vessel, the district administration has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs to verify the situation, following concerns regarding the potential death of a Merchant Navy officer from Kanpur. This information was shared by an official on Wednesday.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal informed that senior district officials, including District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh and Additional Police Commissioner Vipin Tada, visited the residence of the Merchant Navy officer, Sagar Gupta, in Shastri Nagar to meet with his family.

Based on the family's report, the district administration has sent a letter through the Uttar Pradesh government to the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting assistance in confirming the incident and facilitating the return of Gupta's body to India. However, Lal noted that neither the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, nor the shipping company has officially confirmed Gupta's death or any attack on the vessel.

Lal stated, “The administration has acted based on the information provided by the family thus far.” Relevant officials will verify the facts surrounding the incident.

Gupta's wife, Shalu Gupta, informed the authorities that he was employed with 'Avin Navig8ORZ Marines Private Limited' based in Mumbai. She mentioned that Gupta departed from Kanpur to Mumbai on June 13 and arrived the following day, from where he traveled to Istanbul on June 15. Shalu revealed that Gupta last spoke to his family on June 17.

She further explained that on July 21, a colleague contacted her to report that the ship had been attacked by a drone on July 18, resulting in Gupta's death.