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KNews Desk: The Government of India has taken a major step to speed up the process of identification of missing Indians after the flash flood that occurred in Nepal on 26 August 2026. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to make available the services of authorized laboratories, including government forensic laboratories, for DNA profiling of first-degree biological relatives of missing persons living in India. Its aim is to help identify unidentified bodies found in Nepal.

Under this facility, biological samples of father, mother, son, daughter or siblings of missing Indians can be taken. The DNA profile prepared from these samples will be matched with the DNA profile obtained from unidentified bodies found in Nepal. This is expected to speed up the process of identifying missing people after the flash flood.

Biological samples can be given in these labs

First-degree biological relatives of missing persons present in India can give their samples at designated facilities. These include Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), National Forensic Science University (NFSU) laboratories and NABL-accredited laboratories with DNA profiling facilities.

A list of these facilities and contact points has also been provided by the Home Ministry. Along with this, biological sample collection form has also been issued, so that the process of taking samples and preparing DNA profile can be made easier.

Autosomal STR Profiling Advice

Nepal Police has recommended autosomal STR DNA profiling for the identification process. However, while preparing the DNA profile, the technical standards set by the Nepali authorities will have to be followed.

Nepal Police's helpline has also been issued in this regard. In case of need, concerned people can contact on the number +977 9841 6160 95.

DNA profile will be sent to Nepal Police

After the DNA profile is prepared, it can be sent to Nepal Police along with the preliminary information sought by the Nepalese authorities. for this [email protected] Email can be used. In Nepal, these profiles will be matched with the DNA profiles obtained from unidentified bodies.

A copy of the DNA profile can also be sent to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu for coordination and assistance. for this [email protected] Email has been provided.

This step of the Government of India has come after the press release of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu dated 1 September 2026. In this release, information was given about the process to identification of the bodies of the victims of the flash flood that occurred in Nepal on August 26.

Providing the facility of DNA profiling is expected to help Indian families who have been waiting for information about their missing relatives since the floods.