Balasore train accident | Odisha starts DNA sampling in doubtful cases before handing over bodies to kin
The Hindu
In order to authenticate the identification of bodies and keep fake claimants at bay, the Odisha Government on June 5 started conducting DNA sampling in certain doubtful cases before handing over the mortal remains to genuine relatives.
In order to authenticate the identification of bodies and keep fake claimants at bay, the Odisha Government on June 5 started conducting DNA sampling in certain doubtful cases before handing over the mortal remains to genuine relatives.
The decision was taken after two different families from Bihar's Bhagalpur claimed one body as that of their relative. The body was beyond recognition, being severely mutilated and face disfigured.
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Unable to decide whom the body should be handed over to, the State Government decided to conduct DNA sampling of the claimants, and to make it a general procedure in such doubtful cases.
"We will hand over the body only if the DNA matches. We suspect some people might be making false claims over bodies because of the hefty compensation from the Railways and the respective State Governments," an official said.
"The family members, relatives or friends who are not able to identify the deceased body in the Balasore train accident case can contact +918280346629 for DNA sampling tests," another official at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) help centre said.
Stating that a DNA testing centre is now functional in AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the official said the family members can give samples for DNA testing.