Dixit Solanki, the first Indian casualty in Oman linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, was brought home to his family at 7 am on Sunday. While the Indian government confirmed his death and the family obtained a death certificate, they moved the Bombay High Court on Monday seeking permission for DNA testing. Residents of Kandivli’s Mahavir Nagar told mid-day that the Solankis kept to themselves but were known to be kind.
Neighbour Speak
Naina Lal Prajapati, a resident who works at Raj Kamal General Store opposite the Solanki home, said, “Dixit would come to our shop to buy things, though the interactions between us were always brief, he would be very kind and well spoken. The news was shocking to us, and we all in the area hope that the family gets the closure they need and deserve.”
Dixit Amritlal Solanki. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Another neighbour living two houses away said the family’s request for DNA testing was understandable. “It is not easy to accept the death of a loved one, especially when they cannot even identify him. The family has become more withdrawn since the news,” the neighbour said.
Current status
Sources from Charkop police station said the mortal remains of the 33-year-old have been kept at John Pinto International Private Limited, a funeral services facility, for now.
What happened on board
>> Ship MKD Vyome had 92 people on board
>> 17 were Indian nationals
>> Dixit Solanki was working as an oiler near the engine during the attack
>> The initial fire was partly controlled by the crew
>> Fire later intensified, trapping Dixit and leading to his death
>> 91 people jumped off and were rescued by MT Sand, a ship bound for Muscat
>> Remains were moved from Muscat to the UAE, where the Malta-based company conducted forensic procedures
