Seven people who lost their lives in a fire at a Bhatbhateni Supermarket outlet in Kathmandu on 24 Bhadra remain unidentified months after the incident, leaving families without closure.
Authorities say the bodies were so severely burnt that even collecting samples for DNA testing has proven difficult. The remains, recovered from the Chucchepati branch, had largely turned to ash, making standard forensic procedures almost impossible. As a result, officials have been unable to confirm identities or hand over the bodies to families.
Police have attempted to trace the victims by cross-checking missing persons reports filed around the time of the incident. A handful of possible cases are being reviewed, but without DNA confirmation, identification remains uncertain.
The remains were initially sent to the forensic department at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where experts determined that post-mortem examination could not proceed under the condition of the bodies. Samples were later forwarded to a central forensic laboratory, but officials reported that usable DNA could not be extracted.
Authorities are now exploring alternative methods, including the possibility of advanced testing abroad. Discussions have begun around using specialised facilities in countries with more advanced forensic capabilities, though no final decision has been made.
The incident is linked to wider unrest during the Gen-Z protests in Bhadra, which saw violence, arson and multiple casualties across the country. Despite earlier commitments, progress on a detailed investigation into the fire has been slow.
With no confirmed identities and limited forensic options, families continue to wait for answers, as the path to accountability and justice remains uncertain.