Government Decision on Unidentified Bodies Raises Questions
Summary
The government’s plan to bury unidentified bodies from the Rasuwa flood has drawn criticism from relatives and social activists, who say families should be consulted before final disposal. Officials say the revised guideline is meant to preserve DNA and other identification evidence so bodies can later be returned to relatives.
Key Points
- The government’s amended guideline allows unidentified or unclaimed bodies from disasters to be temporarily buried after collecting DNA and other identification samples.
- Families of the missing have criticized the decision, saying the state should prioritize consultation, preservation, and proper final rites.
- Nepal Police data says 734 bodies have been found so far, with 29 identified and many already buried in East Nawalparasi, Chitwan, and Gorkha.
- Forensic experts say temporary burial can be a scientific and safe method when cold storage is insufficient, provided records and samples are preserved.
