AIIMS changes DNA rule as many skip claim

Bhubaneswar: Two more families came forward and provided their DNA samples on Saturday, bringing the total number of claimants to 70. AIIMS is diligently working to ensure accurate identification of the bodies, the authorities said.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar medical superintendent Dilip Parida said of the 70 families who have provided DNA samples, only seven families have made specific claims for particular bodies from among the 81 bodies awaiting identification. "The remaining families have submitted their samples, indicating that their kin are missing, but they have not identified any specific body as potentially belonging to their relative," he said.

Keeping this in view, AIIMS on Saturday changed its criteria of people who can give DNA samples. From among the bodies, the families have to give "highly probable options" by seeing the photos so that samples can be matched against the claim.

Intense discussions are currently under way in the government to make a decision regarding the fate of the unclaimed and unidentified bodies of the train accident victims after the DNA tests are completed next week, it is reliably learnt.

Though a consensus decision will be implemented regarding disposal of the bodies which will remain unidentified after the DNA tests, by taking into account the Centre's advice and suggestions of the affected states, the Odisha government will take a final decision. "Given the sensitivity involved, the government will have a very cautious approach. The various options were discussed with officers concerned," a senior government officer said.

The process of matching DNA samples from the families, and the samples collected from the bodies, is expected to be completed early next week. "The samples will be tested at one go at Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory New Delhi after the window to take samples from affected families is closed. This will be decided at the government level," AIIMS additional medical superintendent Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy said.

The bodies will be disposed of scientifically after due administrative clearance, he said.