DNA Identification in Mass Casualty – Forensic Perspective

Authors

  • Meenakshi Malhotra
  • Hemant V. Vaidya
  • Naresh P. Zanjad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i1.18910

Keywords:

Body identification, DNA Fingerprinting, Mass Casualty, STR Profiling.

Abstract

Fire related mass casualty incidents have always been difficult in terms of identification. Often the bodies recovered
are in such bad shape making the process near impossible to get them identified through secondary methods
of identification. Extremely charred bodies having remnant burnt soft tissue and bones are most difficult to get
identified. It is exactly where Primary method of identification i.e. DNA Analysis comes into play.
One such incident occurred at a Sanitizer manufacturing factory where tragic massive fire broke out engulfing
lives of seventeen adult humans. The victims were trapped because of ongoing fire making it inescapable. On
autopsy, necessary samples were preserved and sent for DNA Analysis to Forensic Science Laboratory. Blood
samples of all claiming relatives were also sent to the laboratory for cross matching of the DNA. Identity of all
victims was thus ascertained, once again proving how DNA Analysis has been a scientific boon to the humans.

Author Biographies

  • Meenakshi Malhotra

    Junior Resident,  Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune,Maharashtra, India.

  • Hemant V. Vaidya

    Assistant Professor,Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

  • Naresh P. Zanjad

    Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

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Published

2022-12-21

How to Cite

DNA Identification in Mass Casualty – Forensic Perspective. (2022). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 17(1), 136-141. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i1.18910