Kathmandu: In response to a request from the Russian government for DNA samples from the families of Nepalis who died in Russia, the Nepali government has initiated genetic testing for individuals in contact with officials.
The Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched samples from seven individuals on Tuesday and one additional sample on Wednesday to the Nepal Police Central Office for genetic analysis.
The DNA samples were provided by relatives of Khom Bahadur Bhujel, Bimal Kumar Gajmer, Prem Prakash Neupane, Bhim Bahadur BK, Kshitiz Basnet, Somesh Sunuwar, Bijaya Bahadur Thokar, and Jitendra Bahadur Ghising for testing.
Recent reports suggest that an additional 15 Nepalis are suspected to have perished in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
At the request of the Russian government, the Embassy of Nepal in Moscow was tasked with sending DNA samples from family members to confirm the identities of the deceased Nepalis through genetic testing.
Prakash Mani Poudel, Director General of the Department, stated that once the DNA reports are received from Nepal Police, the details will be forwarded to Moscow as per the protocol.