The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday issued details of the procedure for identification and repatriation of mortal remains of victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal, including Indian nationals.
In a press release, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the information was being provided in continuation of the ministry’s August 29 advisory and was based on details shared by the Government of Nepal.
According to the Nepali authorities, nine steps will be required for handing over the mortal remains of foreign nationals. These include documentation of the remains, recording photographs and details, post-mortem examination, verification of the cause of death, formal identification, collection of fingerprints, DNA or other forensic samples, verification of the deceased’s passport or identity documents, completion of embassy or consular coordination, and issuance of a handover or release memo and receipt.
The first four steps will be carried out by Nepali authorities.
The MEA said that if relatives are able to identify the mortal remains through photographs and descriptions available on the Nepal Police website, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu will assist in coordinating with local authorities for the handover and repatriation process.
The Government of Nepal has temporarily interred a large number of mortal remains as a precaution against health risks. Identification of these remains will require DNA matching with first-degree relatives, the MEA said.
In cases where identification is not possible or the remains have been temporarily interred, Nepali authorities will facilitate DNA matching. DNA samples are being collected from the mortal remains to create their DNA profiles.
First-degree relatives of the deceased can provide DNA profiles through email to the Nepal Police or submit blood samples along with preliminary information required by the Nepali authorities.
For assistance from the Indian Embassy, relatives can also copy the DNA profiles to the email address provided by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
The MEA said details regarding the DNA profiling process are available through the Nepal Police website and its helpline.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has also provided helpline numbers, with WhatsApp facility, for further assistance and enquiries:
+977 985 131 6807
+977 970 910 7500
+977 981 032 6117
