The Department of Forensic Medicine at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj is working to identify the bodies recovered after the recent flood in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi River using DNA testing, as most of the remains are severely mutilated. Of the nine bodies brought in so far, only four are intact while the rest are in fragments, making visual identification impossible. One body was identified due to a unique tattoo, but the rest lack identifiable features such as heads or limbs. According to forensic expert Dr. Eugen Dolma Walung, the department is collecting bone or tooth samples from the bodies and blood samples from the families of missing persons to carry out DNA profiling. This process is essential since traditional identification methods like fingerprints or dental records are not feasible in such cases. Senior forensic specialist Dr. Harihar Wasti stated that DNA is the only reliable option, and the process could take two to four months due to sample collection, lab analysis, and result confirmation. Bodies that cannot be identified through DNA will be classified as unclaimed and managed by the state. Authorities urge families of missing persons to provide DNA samples promptly, as proper coordination between police, local officials, and forensic teams is critical.
Rasuwa Flood Victims’ Bodies to Be Identified Solely Through DNA Testing
