The Gujarat government has initiated DNA profiling for the relatives of 30 missing citizens caught in the Nepal floods. This forensic effort aims to identify recovered remains through six specialized laboratories across the state.

  • DNA samples collected from relatives of 29 out of 30 missing persons.
  • Profiling conducted across six labs in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh, and Rajkot.
  • The entire process is free of cost per Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directives.
  • Focus areas include the Nepal-Tibet border and the Bhote Koshi River corridor.

The search for Gujarat residents missing after the devastating flash floods in Nepal has entered a critical forensic phase. The Gujarat Government has launched a DNA profiling exercise for first-degree relatives to determine if recovered human remains in the disaster zone belong to the missing citizens.

According to official statements, relatives of 29 of the 30 missing individuals have already provided their samples. This operation is being carried out through six designated laboratories located in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh, and Rajkot. Under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these services are being provided free of cost to the affected families.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the reliance on DNA profiling highlights the catastrophic nature of the August 26 floods, which rendered conventional identification methods impossible. It reflects a sophisticated administrative response by the Gujarat government to manage a cross-border humanitarian crisis involving a global diaspora.

"In the wake of natural disasters involving high-velocity water flow, DNA analysis becomes the only reliable method to provide definitive closure to families."

The missing persons include Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs), many of whom were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The victims hail from various districts, including Ahmedabad, Anand, Banaskantha, Kheda, Gandhinagar, Surat, Valsad, and Rajkot.

The primary focus of the identification effort is the Bhote Koshi River corridor and the Nepal-Tibet border. The Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujaratis’ Foundation (NRGF) is coordinating globally, reaching out to relatives in New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and various African nations to synchronize sample data.

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar is playing a pivotal role, coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). DNA reports are being transmitted directly to the Government of Nepal via secure official channels to expedite the matching process.

Did You Know?: This is not the first time Gujarat has used this scale of forensic identification; a similar process was used for 260 victims of the June 2025 Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which laboratories are handling the DNA profiling?
A: Samples are being processed in labs across Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh, and Rajkot.

Q2: How is the government coordinating with relatives living abroad?
A: The NRGF is in constant contact with relatives in countries like the USA and Canada to link samples collected by local foreign authorities with the Nepal exercise.