Following the Bhote Koshi River flood in Rasuwa, Nepal, on 26 August 2026, many Nepali and foreign families are still searching for missing loved ones. DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., India’s first private DNA testing laboratory, is extending its services to help families obtain a DNA profile to help identify missing loved ones at a reduced cost, for as long as the relief period lasts.
How Can DNA Profiling Help Families of Nepal Flood Victims?
When individuals go missing after a natural disaster, DNA profiling is one of the most reliable ways to confirm their identities. By comparing a DNA sample from a close family member (like a parent, child, or sibling) with DNA samples collected from an unidentified body, lab experts can confirm the genetic link between a family member and the disaster victim.
DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., India’s first private DNA testing lab, is offering this service at a reduced cost to support families during this difficult time.
Official Government Support For Identification of Missing Persons
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to make available the services of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), and laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in India for DNA profiling of first-degree biological relatives of persons who remain missing following the flash flood in Nepal. Other NABL-accredited laboratories capable of DNA profiling can also be used. Eligible first-degree relatives residing in India are the father, mother, son, daughter, or sibling of the missing person.
As advised by Nepal Police, Autosomal STR DNA profiling may be undertaken for identification, subject to the technical requirements communicated by the Nepali authorities. A dedicated helpline has been set up for assistance: +977 9841 6160 95.
Once the DNA profiles are prepared along with the preliminary information required by Nepali authorities, families can email them to dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np for comparison with the DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains.
Moreover, for facilitation and further coordination, a copy may also be sent to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu at eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com.
This government’s DNA profiling support is a helpful option for first-degree relatives based in India to identify their missing family members. Besides, DNA Forensics Laboratory’s NABL-accredited testing lab is also fast, accurate, and reliable in DNA profiling services, making us an ideal choice for families anywhere in India, Nepal, or abroad to find their unidentified missing loved ones.
Official Nepal Police Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Nepal Police has also issued detailed guidance for families living outside Nepal whose relative is missing in the flood:
Who should give the sample (in order of priority):
- Mother, father, son, or daughter of the missing person
- A full sibling (same mother and father)
- If neither is available, another blood relative from the same family, such as a paternal uncle or a half-sibling
Note: A spouse, adopted family member, step-relative, or in-law’s DNA cannot be used, as they do not share any genetic link with the missing person.
Type of DNA profile required, depending on the donor:
| Sample Donor | DNA Profile Required |
|---|---|
| Male donor who is a parent or offspring of the missing person | Autosomal STR profile (minimum 20 CODIS core STR loci) & Y-STR profile |
| Male donor with paternal-line relation (e.g., cousin, uncle) | Y-STR profile only |
| Female donor who is a parent or offspring of the missing person | Autosomal STR profile (minimum 20 CODIS core STR loci) & X-STR profile |
| Female donor with maternal-line relation (e.g., sister, mother) | X-STR profile only |
What must be sent to Nepal Police:
- The DNA report, including the Electropherogram (EPG) with marker table (PDF), plus XML and CMF format files, on the testing laboratory’s official letterhead, signed, and stating the donor’s relationship to the missing person
- A copy of the donor’s photo ID (passport, national ID, or similar)
- A signed consent letter authorizing use of the DNA profile solely for identifying the missing person, stating the relationship
Where to send it: Email scanned copies to dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np. Nepal Police has confirmed this information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for identification purposes.
Here’s How You Can Get a DNA Profiling Test (Through DNA Forensics Laboratory)
If You’re in India or Nepal – A close family member can visit one of our testing centers, provide a small blood sample, and bring two passport-size photographs.
If You’re a Foreign National – A close family member can get tested at one of our testing facilities near their location.
Information to Keep Ready
Before visiting, it helps to have this information ready:
- Full name and nationality of the missing person
- Any identifying details (physical features, documents, etc.)
- How the sample donor is related to the missing person
- Date and place where the person went missing, if known
- Two recent passport-size photographs
Cost and Turnaround Time
DNA Profiling usually costs 9440 INR (including GST), but DNA Forensics Laboratory is currently providing the test at 7080 INR (including GST) for the families of the Nepal flood victims to submit their DNA profiles to the authorities of Nepal. The turnaround time for the test is around 4-5 business days.
Why Choose DNA Forensics Laboratory for DNA Profiling to Identify Bhote Koshi Flood Victims?
DNA Forensics Laboratory is India’s only private DNA testing company whose reports are legally admissible in the honorable courts of law. Our testing lab, Chimera Transplant Research Foundation (CTRF), holds accreditations from NABL and certification from ISO. This reflects the high international standards of our DNA testing facilities.
To book a DNA profiling test, call us at +91 8010177771. Alternatively, you can also send a message on WhatsApp at +91 9266615552.
Note: This service is offered by a private lab and is not affiliated with the Government of Nepal or Nepal Police. Families are encouraged to continue following the official identification process set up by Nepal Police and to use this DNA testing service alongside it.
