Kolkata Fire Tragedy: Skulls Emerge as Primary Death Indicators in Anandapur Blaze
In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Nazirabad in Anandapur, Kolkata, which has so far claimed 21 lives, skulls have become the crucial indicators for determining the death toll. The rescue team from the state disaster management group has been meticulously recovering charred remains and bones, with a focused hunt for skulls to accurately count the number of deceased individuals.
Rescue Efforts and Forensic Challenges
A member of the rescue team described the grim scene, stating, "The victims were burnt alive and their bodies were completely charred. We are recovering fragments of bones, femurs, and skulls. We are digging into the rubble and debris to look for body parts." Police confirmed that the count of 21 bodies is based on bones and skulls recovered from the fire-ravaged premises of the two warehouses, where workers and guards both worked and resided.
However, a police officer explained the complexity of the situation: "We have to match the scattered remains of bodies with the skulls to determine whether they belong to the same person or different individuals. That is why identification of body parts is being carried out through DNA tests." In some instances, clusters of bones were found separated from each other, leading investigators to presume they belonged to two different persons. The rescue team continues to search for skulls, as their count will help ascertain the correct number of bodies.
Investigation into the Fire Incident
Based on the locations where body remains were discovered, it is suspected that when the fire broke out, some of the trapped workers attempted to escape through the front side of the warehouses, while others ran towards the back. Tragically, neither group managed to survive, as noted by an officer at the site.
Beyond aiding in the body count, skulls will play a pivotal role in identifying the victims. DNA extracted from teeth will be used to match with samples from blood relatives of those suspected to have been inside the two warehouses during the blaze. This process is critical for providing closure to families and ensuring accurate records.
Forensic Expertise and DNA Collection
Forensic experts have highlighted the challenges in collecting DNA samples from charred bodies. Somnath Das, head of the forensic department at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, explained, "There can be some challenges in collecting DNA samples from severely charred bodies as intense and prolonged heat can damage genetic materials. But marrow from the long bones, which are resistant to heat, or teeth, are usually found from charred bodies. These are very reliable samples for DNA analysis."
Experts further noted that enamel protects the teeth, preserving the inner pulp, while long bones, due to their density and structure, can typically withstand intense and prolonged heat. This resilience makes them valuable sources for genetic material, even in such catastrophic conditions.
The ongoing investigation underscores the meticulous efforts required in disaster response, combining rescue operations with advanced forensic techniques to address both immediate and long-term needs in the wake of this tragedy.
