Rajkot gaming zone fire: 5 victims identified through DNA sampling, rest likely to be identified by tonight

An air ambulance carrying the DNA samples landed in Gandhinagar at around 4 am on Sunday

A special investigation team has been set up to look into the fire and submit a preliminary report by Tuesday. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)

The identities of at least five charred bodies recovered from the Rajkot TRP gaming zone fire site have been confirmed through DNA sampling on Monday.

The blaze that broke out on Saturday had claimed 28 lives, including seven minors. Till now, remains of all missing people have been found except one.

“Some of the DNA samples have been identified today (Monday). The process of DNA analysis is underway and it is expected to confirm the remaining samples as early as possible, likely by tonight,” a senior official confirmed to The Indian Express.

The bodies recovered so far at the site were charred beyond recognition and hence DNA samples were taken to identify the victims.

Also read | Rajkot gaming zone fire: Gujarat govt suspends 7 officers, including 2 cops, for ‘dereliction of duty’

The government had sent the DNA samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar for DNA testing due to the nature of the burn injuries.

An air ambulance carrying the DNA samples landed in Gandhinagar at around 4 am on Sunday. Officials have also collected DNA samples from family members.

“Despite some identification evidence on the bodies, like rings and bangles, the government decided on DNA analysis for scientific identification so that there is no mistake in handing over the bodies,” Rajkot Collector Prabhav Joshi had said. Some of the hard tissue samples are estimated to take around 36-48 hours to be identified.

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A special investigation team has been set up to look into the fire and submit a preliminary report by Tuesday. Following the Rajkot fire, the Gujarat government has directed officials to carry out inspections at all gaming zones across the state. Till the inspections conclude, the gaming zones will remain closed.

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More

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