Dna Profiling: Identification of Corpse in a Distressing Disaster Situation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2026.24.12.07Keywords:
Disaster management, Forensic DNA identification, train collisions, Sternum bone, teethAbstract
Safety measures in Indian railways have improved which has declined the rates of train accidents like collisions and derailment. However, train accident at Bahanga railway station at Balasore occurred on 2nd June 2023 in which around 293 passengers lost their lives and nearly 1200 passengers were injured which has again raised question on railway safety measures. One of the main objectives in such disasters is to identify the victims beside the reason behind the mishap. Forensic DNA analysis plays a key role in identification of mutilated bodies as it provides proficiency in discriminating biological exhibits in forensic situation. As many as 81 deceased could not be identified mainly due to mutilation as many changes were observed in their bodies in due course of time; some were decapitated, while in others only body parts were available. Also, most of these victims were not identified as they were travelling in unreserved compartments where there was no record of passengers available with the Railway Division. Sternum, teeth, scalp hairs and long bones which ever were found suitable for DNA analysis were collected. As these bodies were embalmed with 10% formalin, therefore it was a little challenging to generate DNA profile from all of them. With minor modifications in the protocol, DNA profile was generated successfully from all these 81 unknown bodies (100%) after 8-10 days of accident and compared with the claimants The DNA analysis was carried out for these unidentified bodies using commercially available autosomal STRs and Y-STRs kit. Although all exhibits were challenging but sternum emerged as ideal sample for identification in comparison to teeth and long bones even after exposed to 40% formaldehyde. 53 bodies were handed over to the relatives on the basis of DNA Fingerprinting positive match. Since there were no claimants for rest of the 28 bodies, the last rites for all these were fulfilled after following all legal formalities.
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