NHRC seeks DNA profiling, body preservation facilities in Odisha's hospitals

The National Human Rights Commission has recommended the Odisha Government to ensure availability of DNA profiling facilities in different hospitals and the proper preservation system of human bodies in the wake of several unidentified and unclaimed bodies being cremated after the horrific Balasore triple train crash in June last year.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train were involved in a deadly accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district on 2 June, killing at least 297 people, leaving over 1,000 injured.

The top rights panel, disposing of a petition by civil rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, observed that the emergency preparedness of the State is lagging behind as it is observed from the present and other situations, NHRC noted in the order.

"It is pertinent to observe here that there are some contradictions in the report dated 19 April 2024 of the Special Secretary (Health), Government of Odisha and Railways. The number of deaths is mentioned as 288, whereas in the reports received from Railways, 297 passengers stated to have died in the tragic accident."