Karnataka: DNA Profiling To Be Done On First-Degree Relatives Of Missing Persons In Nepal Floods
The Government of Nepal is undertaking the identification of unidentified mortal remains and their verification through photographs: Reports
BENGALURU---Karnataka Government on Friday designated Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital as Nodal Centre for collection of samples of DNA profiling of first-degree relatives of victims from Karnataka reported missing in Nepal in the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood induced flash floods in Nepal on August 26 to establish their identities.
With a large number of persons still reported missing or untraceable including persons belonging to Karnataka and the situation calls for DNA matching with first-degree relatives of the deceased persons from Karnataka.
The Government of Nepal is undertaking the identification of unidentified mortal remains and their verification through photographs and other available details were not possible to establish their identities, thus, DNA matching with first-degree relatives of the deceased would be required to facilitate their identification.
The State Government stated the first-degree relatives of the victims are asked to contact Nodal Officers-Dr Nagesh Kuppsat and Dr Vadiraj B Pokkan at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital for facilitating the DNA profiling process. They are asked to carry one recent passport-size photograph along with government-issued identity proof such as Aadhar Card and other relevant supporting documents for verification of their identity and relationship with the victim.
Dr Nagesh Kuppsat, professor and head of department of Forensic Medicine is designated as Nodal Officer for verification of the first-degree relationship of the person providing the DNA sample with the victim reported missing as well as the collection of the sample for DNA profiling and further processing. Dr Vadiraj B Pokkan, Resident Medical Officer will also engage in profiling.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been asked to undertake the DNA profiling and provide the DNA profile/report in a form suitable for comparison with the DNA profiles generated by the Nepalese authorities and DNA profiling be accorded top priority considering the issue need to facilitate early identification of the mortal remains and their repatriation to the families of the victims from Karnataka.