Blood samples sent to Russia for DNA test

Kochi, Mar 21: Authorities today sent blood samples of the relatives of a young couple from Kerala — Shyam Mohan and his wife Anju, who were among 62 killed in the FlyDubai passenger jet crash, to Russia for DNA test to identify their bodies.

A close relative of Mohan said a team of health officials from Ernakulam district administration collected blood samples of his parents and Anju's mother and brother last night for the purpose of conducting DNA test.

"The blood samples have been sent to New Delhi this morning. It will be sent to Russia via foreign office to conduct DNA matching," he said.

Relatives said they were informed that DNA matching has to be done with the remains of passengers and crew of the flight to identify the bodies.

Mohan and Anju were among 62 passengers who were killed when the Dubai airliner --FlyDubai Boeing 737 -- crashed while trying to land in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday.

The couple hailed from Vengola village, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district. Both were working as therapists at an Ayurvedic spa in Russia.

Officials said the state government and Lok Sabha MP Innocent are in touch with the External Affairs Ministry to complete formalities involved in bringing the couple's mortal remains back to Kerala. People from different walks of life visited the bereaved families yesterday to share their grief.

Mohan is survived by parents and sister while Anju is survived by mother and brother. The couple had left for Russia from Kochi on Thursday night after a two-month long vacation in Kerala.

PTI