The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has deputed two doctors to collect the DNA samples of 23-year-old Geeta to determine her parentage and the results will be known “after 15-20 days”.
The External Ministry had asked AIIMS to collect samples for DNA test to confirm if Janardhan Mahato, who claims that Geeta is his first born Heera, is indeed her father. Geeta has returned to India from Karachi almost after 15 years.
In the press conference that was held after Geeta was brought to India, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “Geeta could not identify her parents, will wait for DNA results”, following which this step was taken.
Swaraj also informed the media that four families from different states have claimed to be Geeta’s kin but even if “we are not able to locate her parents we will keep her in an institution in Indore”.
Geeta, a deaf-mute girl, travelled from Karachi to Delhi this morning and was accompanied by the Edhi family, who run a charitable foundation and looked after her all these years. When asked about her reaction, she made it clear that she is very happy to be in India.
Swaraj started answering questions on her behalf when Geeta appeared nervous.
“She is not married as was claimed by the Mahato family,” said Swaraj. The Ministry of External Affairs has decided that if the DNA samples match, “we will counsel her and try to convince her. Even if we find Geeta’s parents, we will request them to let her stay on in the Indore institution for two years so her sign language improves.”
(With inputs from PTI)
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