Ahmedabad: As a team of forensic experts from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is already in Nepal assisting in the identification of the victims of the flash floods in end of August, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed the state and region-level forensic science laboratories (FSLs) to function as nodal centres for analysing the biological samples for DNA analysis and database for both the deceased and missing persons from respective regions.In Gujarat, the regional FSLs under the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (DFS) along with NFSU are entrusted with the task. Sources at DFS said that the medical practitioners will collect samples from the relatives of those who are suspected missing or are confirmed dead in the natural calamity.“So far, we have already received more than 10 such samples. It will be part of a larger database. As the work of rescue and relief is going on, the DNA of the victims will be matched against the database for quick identification and handing over the mortal remains for the last rites,” said sources.It is notable that both DFS and NFSU played a pivotal role in quick identification of all the victims of the AI171 airplane crash in Ahmedabad last year based on DNA sampling and analysis.
