BREAKING: Malviya Nagar Fire Victims’ Foreign Bodies to Undergo DNA Test Before Handing Over

The Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, which claimed 21 lives including a large number of foreign nationals, has led authorities to adopt strict identification protocols before handing over the victims’ bodies to their families. Officials have confirmed that none of the foreign victims will be released immediately, as DNA profiling is now mandatory to establish accurate identities. The decision comes after investigators reported that many of the bodies recovered from the site were severely burned, making visual identification impossible. Due to the extent of damage, authorities believe there is a high risk of misidentification if traditional methods are used. As a result, forensic DNA testing has been made the primary method for confirming the identities of the deceased. According to officials, samples will be collected from the remains of the victims as well as from their relatives, who will be contacted by authorities and asked to provide DNA samples. These will then be sent to forensic laboratories for detailed analysis and matching. Only after a successful match will the bodies be formally released to the next of kin or handed over to the respective embassies for repatriation. The process is being coordinated between Delhi Police and the Ministry of External Affairs, as diplomatic involvement has increased due to the presence of multiple foreign nationals among the deceased. Embassy representatives from affected countries are also reportedly in touch with Indian authorities to ensure proper identification and handling of remains. Officials have emphasized that although the procedure may take time, it is essential to ensure accuracy, dignity, and transparency in the handling of victims. The incident has drawn international attention and raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in commercial establishments in Delhi. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, families of the victims remain in distress, awaiting confirmation and the return of their loved ones.