The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has designated Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru as the nodal centre for verifying relatives and collecting DNA samples from first-degree relatives of Karnataka residents reported missing in the Nepal-Tibet flash floods. The initiative is intended to assist in identifying unidentified mortal remains recovered in Nepal and facilitate their repatriation to the families.
The Government of Nepal and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu have initiated the process of identifying bodies and handing them over to the respective families.
Relatives Can Approach Designated Hospital for DNA Sampling
Under the arrangement, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and spouses of missing persons can approach the designated hospital for relationship verification and DNA sample collection.
They will need to carry a recent passport-sized photograph, government-issued identity proof such as Aadhaar and documents establishing their relationship with the missing person.
The relationship will be verified using available official records and the documents submitted by the family.
Certification Required for FSL Referral
The referral to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) must carry certification from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner’s office or the concerned Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The certification will include details of the missing person, the relative providing the sample, their relationship and the documents submitted for verification.
After verification, the DNA samples will be sent to the FSL for profiling. The resulting profiles will then be shared with Nepalese authorities to help match them with DNA profiles being prepared from unidentified bodies.
Forensic Officials to Oversee Verification Process
A senior forensic medicine official at Bowring Hospital has been designated to oversee the verification and DNA sample collection process. The official will be assisted by the hospital’s Resident Medical Officer.
KSDMA has also directed Deputy Commissioners and district disaster management authorities to inform families of missing persons about the procedure and assist them in completing the required formalities.
The initiative follows instructions issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu regarding the identification and repatriation of mortal remains recovered following the flash floods in Nepal.
Important Highlights
- KSDMA has designated Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru as the nodal centre for DNA sample collection.
- The facility will verify relatives of Karnataka residents reported missing in the Nepal-Tibet flash floods.
- Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and spouses can provide DNA samples after relationship verification.
- Samples will be sent to the FSL for profiling and shared with Nepalese authorities for identification.
- GBA Chief Commissioner or concerned Deputy Commissioner certification is required for the FSL referral.
- District authorities have been directed to inform families and assist them with the required formalities.