Ahmedabad, Jun 21 (PTI): Families of eight Ahmedabad plane crash victims have been asked to give a sample of another relative for DNA tests after the first sample submitted by a kin did not match, officials said on Saturday.

Unless there is a match, bodies cannot be handed over to kin, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital civil superintendent Rakesh Joshi told PTI.

"When there is no match for a longer period of time, then you can ask another sample from another relative. If one sibling has given the sample then a sample of another sibling is sought for matching the DNA with those of the victim," he said.

"We generally prefer a sample of father or son/daughter. If not, then we take a sample of another available member," Joshi added.

He, however, clarified that samples of siblings have matched in the process.

There are at least eight such families whose first sample has not matched, so another sample was sought.

Until Friday, DNA samples of 231 deceased have been matched and 210 bodies handed over to families.

On Friday, Joshi had said since the DNA matching process is highly sensitive and involves legal protocols, it is being conducted with utmost seriousness and speed.

To ensure that families receive the bodies of their loved ones quickly, Forensic Science University, along with associated institutions, local administrative authorities, the state government's health and other departments, and various agencies are working tirelessly.

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Bengaluru, Jul 26 (PTI): A man reported missing was traced and rescued after police arrested four suspects in connection with a kidnapping plot allegedly planned by his ex-girlfriend.

The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Asif Risaldar (42), Mohammed Sohail Sheikh (25), Salman Pasha (22), and Mohammed Nawaz (27), police added.

Lawrence Melwin, in his 30s, had worked in Dubai for the past six years as a manager with a travel agency. He returned to Bengaluru six to seven months ago to care for his ailing father, police said.

Melwin, known to be a skilled poker player, is believed to have amassed "considerable wealth" through the game, they added.

The case came to light on July 16 when Melwin’s mother filed a missing person complaint at the Ashok Nagar police station. She told police that her son, who had been staying at a hotel after a brief stay at home, had not responded to calls since July 14.

Investigations revealed that Melwin had left in a cab with his former girlfriend in the early hours of July 14. She had allegedly insisted on meeting him and booked the cab, police said.

After travelling some distance, the cab took a detour and stopped a short distance away, at which point two men entered the vehicle and allegedly covered Melwin’s face with a cloth mask.

He was reportedly assaulted, and the kidnappers took his phone and bag containing cash. They also forced him to reveal his passwords, police added.

Melwin was taken to a service apartment, where he was held captive for several days. The abductors demanded Rs 50 lakh for his release, police claimed.

Despite being "confined and beaten", Melwin managed to send a distress message to his family through someone who volunteered to help after hearing his cries, leading police to the location.

On July 23, using technical surveillance and local intelligence, police traced the service apartment and rescued Melwin. The four accused were arrested, eventually.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that Melwin’s former girlfriend had masterminded the abduction with help from her associates.

Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining accused.

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