Kathmandu, Aug. 15 -- When an unidentified body is found in Nepal, police begin an investigation to establish the person's identity and trace relatives before the remains are transferred to a hospital mortuary.

But with 788 unidentified and unclaimed bodies currently being kept in hospital facilities nationwide, limited storage capacity is forcing hospitals to begin disposal procedures within months.

The process starts at the local level. Police notify the relevant local government and ward representatives after an unidentified body is found. Under the Unidentified and Unclaimed Body Management Guidelines, 2021, police prepare an official inquest report in the presence of local representatives and residents.

If relatives are identified...