India adopts its first national Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines — teeth, DNA and chain-of-custody at the core of a standardised mass-fatality identification system
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released the country’s first comprehensive Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), establishing a national framework that formalises the use of dental records, DNA, fingerprints and strict chain-of-custody rules for identifying victims in mass-fatality incidents.
The move — framed by authorities as an adaptation of internationally accepted DVI best practices to Indian conditions — is being described by experts and media alike as a major step toward scientific, dignified and legally robust identification of victims after disasters.
What the guidelines say — the essentials
- Four-stage DVI workflow: The SOPs prescribe a four-phase process — scene management and recovery, ante-mortem data collection, post-mortem examinations, and reconciliation — adapted to India’s disaster-response architecture.
- Primary identifiers emphasised: DNA profiling, forensic odontology (dental records) and fingerprints are identified as primary methods. The document places particular emphasis on dental evidence in cases involving burning, fragmentation or advanced decomposition.
- Chain-of-custody and documentation: Detailed instructions are provided for specimen labelling, evidence handling, documentation and secure transfers to ensure identifications are legally defensible.
- Inter-agency coordination: Clear roles are outlined for disaster response forces, police, forensic science laboratories, hospitals and mortuary teams, with provisions for pre-designated DVI units.
- Family liaison and dignity: The SOPs stress respectful handling of remains, cultural and religious sensitivity, psychosocial support for families and transparent communication.
Why this matters
The guidelines address long-standing concerns arising from previous mass-fatality events in India, where identification processes were often ad-hoc, delayed or inconsistently applied across states.
By introducing a single national SOP, NDMA aims to reduce the risk of misidentification, speed up the return of remains to families, and ensure that identification processes can withstand legal scrutiny in criminal or civil proceedings.
The emphasis on forensic odontology and DNA analysis is particularly significant in the Indian context, where extreme climatic conditions and disaster types frequently result in bodies that are unrecognisable through visual means alone.
Forensic science capacity under focus
Implementation of the DVI SOPs is expected to place new demands on state and central forensic science laboratories. Many laboratories will need upgrades in DNA infrastructure, validated protocols for degraded samples, and access to trained forensic odontologists.
The guidelines call for structured training, creation of dedicated DVI teams, and regular mock exercises to ensure preparedness during real-world disasters.
Key implementation challenges
- Infrastructure gaps: Several state forensic laboratories currently lack high-throughput DNA analysis capabilities or specialised expertise in dental forensics.
- Ante-mortem data availability: Successful identification depends on timely access to medical, dental and personal records, which are often fragmented or unavailable.
- Training and drills: Multi-agency coordination requires sustained investment in training and regular simulation exercises.
- Data governance: Collection and storage of sensitive personal data raise important privacy and cybersecurity concerns that will need robust safeguards.
What authorities are expected to do next
- Constitute state-level DVI teams with trained forensic experts.
- Upgrade select forensic laboratories for disaster-grade DNA analysis.
- Standardise chain-of-custody forms and evidence handling protocols.
- Build coordinated ante-mortem data collection networks involving hospitals and civil authorities.
- Conduct regular national and state-level DVI drills.
Bottom line
NDMA’s Disaster Victim Identification guidelines mark a decisive shift toward a science-led, standardised and humane approach to victim identification in India. While the framework aligns the country with global best practices, its success will ultimately depend on investments in forensic infrastructure, skilled manpower, and sustained inter-agency coordination.
