BMC Issues SOP For Disposal Of Unclaimed Bodies Of June 2 Odisha Train Tragedy

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disposal of 28 bodies of the triple train tragedy victims, lying unclaimed in containers at AIIMS in Odisha capital.

According to sources, the civic body initiated the process after CBI wrote to Khurda Collector, requesting for disposal of the bodies in a scientific manner.

The BMC has decided to provide two to three dead body carriers for smooth transportation from AIIMS to the cremation ground. AIIMS-Bhubaneswar director will hand over the bodies to the BMC health officer following the existing rules and guidelines of the state, Centre, and NHRC for cremation of the bodies. The entire process from receiving the bodies to cremation will be videographed, according to the SOP.

The bodies will be disposed of within the next two days, sources added.

Notably, the premier health facility had received 162 bodies and 81 were handed over to their family members in the first phase. DNA samples of around 100 bodies as well as claimants were sent to New Delhi for matching due to multiple claimants and a few other issues. On the basis of DNA test results, 52 more bodies were then despatched to their families. Till August 1, 29 bodies remained unclaimed and the number dropped to 28 in September.

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Superintendent Dilip Parida had earlier told media that no claimant has turned up at the hospital for the remaining bodies last month.

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar had procured at least five deep freezer containers from Paradip Port to prevent further decay of the mortal remains of the deceased.

The June 2 train crash, involving Chennai-bound Coromandel Express from Shalimar, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a stationary goods train, claimed 293 lives with six passengers succumbing to injuries while undergoing treatment in past few days.