As the Russian government sought DNA samples from the family members of Nepalis who died in Russia, it has initiated genetic testing for those who came into contact with officials.

The Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwarded samples of seven individuals on Tuesday and an additional one on Wednesday to the Nepal Police Central Office for genetic testing.

The Department dispatched the DNA samples of 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. According to recent reports, an additional 15 Nepalis are suspected to have died in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Russian government had requested the Embassy of Nepal in Moscow to provide DNA samples from family members to confirm the identities of the Nepalis and for genetic testing.

Director-General of the Department, Prakash Mani Poudel, stated that the DNA reports' details would be sent to Moscow after receiving them from the Nepal Police.

Published on: 21 March 2024 | The Himalayan Times