Nagpur: In a display of remarkable scientific prowess, the DNA identification process for 60 body samples retrieved from the TNT blast site at Solar Industries India in Kondhali achieved completion within an unprecedented 56-hour timeframe. This breakthrough, reported by a local English daily, has paved the way for a mass cremation considering that most of the remains recovered consist of burnt flesh and bone fragments following the devastating incident that claimed nine lives.
According to the report, the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) team, led by Deputy Director Vijay Thakare, spearheaded the DNA sampling and matching efforts, surpassing their previous record of 76 hours set during the analysis of samples from the tragic Samruddhi Mahamarg bus accident on July 1, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives.
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As per the report, the district administration is increasingly likely to persuade relatives to consider a mass cremation ritual, given the severely mutilated condition of the bodies. With only four torsos retrieved intact from the blast site, the majority of remains are fragmented. Plans for the location and timing of a potential mass cremation will be decided by the district administration, according to the report.
Forensic experts handed over their reports to the police, ending the agonizing wait for the families and friends who have been gathering at the GMCH mortuary since Monday. However, the RFSL is expected to provide further details on viscera and explosive samples later this week.
The report further said that the District Collector Vipin Itankar mentioned that Solar Industries has already provided compensation cheques worth Rs 20 lakh to the victims’ families. He assured that the State Government’s Rs 5 lakh compensation for the deceased’s kin and additional aid from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund would be disbursed soon.
Superintendent of Police Nagpur (Rural) Harssh A Poddar highlighted the deployment of two specialized teams of explosive experts to the blast site in Bazargaon on Amravati road for sample collection. He emphasized the ongoing investigations, stating that the company is cooperating by providing details of their standard operating procedures. The SP also indicated the verification of scientific assessments and compliance in accordance with the investigative requirements, not ruling out the possibility of sabotage.
He further mentioned the meticulous scrutiny of various records, circulars, manuals, and registers, with the ongoing seizure of critical documents to aid the investigation process.
-Ravikant kamble
