New Delhi: In a crucial order, the Supreme Court made DNA testing mandatory of the mortal remains of 20 Indians before they are brought back from Russia, where they sacrificed their lives fighting for the Russian Army in conflict with Ukraine.
The top court directed the Central government to arrange for DNA testing prior to repatriating the bodies to India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was directed to appoint a nodal officer to help aggrieved family members file compensation claims with Russian authorities.
“In the event of casualty, MEA will arrange DNA test of the mortal remains with that of family members for identification of dead body and on doing such exercise of DNA test, the body shall be handed over to the family members,” said a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday.
The order came after some petitioners expressed concerns that their demands for a DNA probe are not being met. According to lawyer representing them, coffins are being sent to India containing flesh and bones.
Disputing the claims, the Centre stated that the lawyer is “misleading” the court and that the Indian Embassy in Moscow has entertained requests for DNA examination by families and the same was facilitated by the Russian authorities.
The government earlier informed the apex court that among the 80 Indians who are reportedly dead or missing amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, 51 deaths have been confirmed. Of these, 29 bodies have been brought back home, while 2 were cremated in Russia. There are around 20 dead bodies yet to be repatriated.
As for missing Indians who were engaged in Russian Army, the government said Moscow have confirmed 5 to be missing, but whereabouts of 24 others are yet to be traced.