Maharashtra Orders DNA Profiling to Identify Nepal Flood Victims
The Maharashtra Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department has directed the Digital Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina and district civil surgeons across the state to undertake priority DNA sampling of immediate family members of citizens missing in the recent Nepal flash flood incident.
The state government issued the directive following a September 1 press note from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the identification of mortal remains of Indian citizens affected by the floods in Nepal. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu confirmed that the Government of Nepal is currently collecting DNA samples from recovered mortal remains for profiling and matching, which requires DNA profiles of first-degree relatives to be shared with the Nepal Police.
Under the instructions, the Digital Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina will coordinate with the Public Health Department and respective district civil surgeons to collect DNA samples from willing immediate family members. A list of affected families has been provided to the concerned authorities alongside the communication.
District civil surgeons have been instructed to obtain DNA sampling kits in coordination with the Kalina laboratory. Once collected, the biological samples are to be submitted to the nearest digital forensic laboratory along with official covering letters from the attending doctors.
The Kalina laboratory has been tasked with preparing the DNA profiles in the prescribed format in accordance with the NFSL SOP 2026. The completed profiles will be transmitted directly to the Nepal Police, with copies forwarded to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu to facilitate the identification process.
The department has mandated that confirmation regarding the completion of the sampling and profiling process be officially communicated back to its office once finished.
Copies of the order have been sent to top administrative officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretaries of the Home and Disaster Management departments, the Secretary of the Public Health Department, the Municipal Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, and all District Collectors. District Collectors have been instructed to oversee the coordination and ensure prompt assistance for the affected families.
