Maharashtra Sets Up DNA Sampling at Mumbai, Pune, Nashik Labs for Nepal Victims
The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Department has appealed to relatives of Indian citizens from the state who died in the disaster in Nepal to report to designated forensic laboratories for DNA sample collection. The identification drive has been scheduled for September 3, 2026, between 10 am and 6 pm across designated facilities, including the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories on Hans Bhugra Marg in Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai.
The DNA profiling exercise is being carried out to formally establish the identities of victims who lost their lives in the Nepal disaster and to ensure that essential information reaches their surviving families. Authorities stated that the procedure is crucial for concluding the identification process.
To facilitate the collection of samples, the state government has arranged testing facilities at three regional centres located in Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Families residing in and around Mumbai have been directed to the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories in Kalina, Santacruz East. Relatives heading to the Mumbai centre have been advised that they can contact Assistant Director J. M. Vani or other designated officials for assistance during the process.
In Pune, testing arrangements have been set up at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Ganeshkhind, situated near the Chaturshringi Police Station. For residents in the northern part of the state, the facility has been arranged at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory located opposite Vidyut Nagar on Dindori Road in Lok Sahakarnagar, Nashik.
The department has outlined specific conditions and documentation mandatory for the profiling procedure. The physical presence of at least two close relatives of each deceased individual is required at the laboratory. Eligible close relatives include the deceased person's father, mother, son, or daughter.
Family members visiting the centres must carry three passport-size photographs along with either an Aadhaar card or a PAN card to serve as identity proof. The disaster management department has urged all concerned relatives to report strictly within the designated time frame between 10 am and 6 pm with the required documentation to avoid delays in the identification process.
