The identity of the people killed in the Kedarnath disaster remains a mystery even after 12 years. But, the biggest mystery is the identity of those 702 people whose DNA sample reports are with the police. Whereas, more than 6000 people had given their DNA samples to the lab to identify their loved ones who went missing in the disaster. Out of these, these 702 people could not be identified. In such a situation, the wait for these DNA samples for the loved ones has become endless. Thousands of families of the country lost their loved ones in the Kedarnath disaster, one of the biggest tragedies of the century in India.
Bodies and body parts found for years
At that time, the police had also saved thousands of people during the rescue operation. Bodies and body parts kept being found by the police for years in the Kedar valley and surrounding areas. The police itself cremated hundreds of bodies and skeletons. The search operation continued for many years. Meanwhile, to identify the people, the police took DNA samples of 735 bodies, body parts and skeletons and sent them to Bangalore lab. Along with this, people whose relatives were missing in this tragedy were also asked to give their DNA samples to the lab.
In such a situation, more than six thousand people went to the lab and gave DNA samples. But, out of 735 DNA samples, only 33 samples could be identified by their relatives. After this, they took the letter received from the police and the bones or some jewelry and clothes found on the body. But, 702 samples are still waiting for their relatives even after 12 years.
The terrible tragedy at a glance
– Kedarnath disaster occurred on the night of 15 and 16 June 2013.
– According to government figures, 4400 people died or went missing in this disaster.
– 991 local people were killed at different places.
– 55 skeletons were found in the search operation.
-More than 11 thousand cattle were killed.
-More than 30 thousand people were rescued by the police.
-More than 90 thousand people were rescued by the army and paramilitary forces.
At that time, DNA samples of about 735 people were taken for several years. Out of these, samples of 33 people could be matched with their families. All DNA samples were sent to Bangalore lab for testing. – ADG Amit Sinha, Director Forensic Science Laboratory