The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Forensic experts in Bhutan continue to face significant challenges in conducting timely and thorough investigations into unnatural deaths, largely due to deeply ingrained religious beliefs that discourage autopsies. Many Bhutanese believe that post-mortem examinations interfere with the deceased’s rebirth and delay crucial funeral rites, leading to reluctance among families to permit autopsies. This cultural resistance not only hinders justice but also complicates forensic investigations.
A senior Lam of the Zhung Dratsang clarified that the belief in leaving the body untouched after death is not rooted in scripture but has evolved culturally. “In fact, many funeral practices commonly observed, such as offering meat and alcohol, are religiously inappropriate,” he said. The Je Khenpo grants “Wangkur” (blessings) in cases where bodies cannot be recovered, which is considered sufficient in place of physical rituals.
However, this deep-seated perception continues to challenge forensic services. The absence of a legal mandate requiring autopsies in cases of unnatural deaths further exacerbates the issue. Without a specific legal provision, law enforcement must often comply with the wishes of the deceased’s family, even when an autopsy is critical for determining the cause of death.
A forensic official from the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) emphasized the importance of carrying out autopsy in cases involving homicide, suicide, or suspicious accidents. “Autopsy is crucial when foul play is suspected, but cultural resistance frequently delays or prevents these procedures,” the official said.
In a homicide case in Phuentsholing, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) initially requested an autopsy team from Thimphu, but the team had to return halfway when the family objected to the procedure. Even when autopsies are performed, they are often limited in scope, which can weaken the strength of forensic evidence in court proceedings. In some instances, external examination findings are sufficient to determine the cause of death, but this is not always the case, particularly in crime-related cases where the evidence must be beyond reasonable doubt.
In addition to cultural resistance, Bhutan also faces challenges in death management services. The country lacks a comprehensive system for transporting and handling bodies. “We don’t have dedicated services to transport bodies from hospitals to cremation grounds. Ambulances cannot be used, and JDWNRH has only one Bolero vehicle for this purpose,” the forensic official added.
The JDWNRH mortuary currently has 18 refrigerated cabinets, primarily used for unclaimed bodies, which are stored for up to 15 days before the Thromde takes over for funeral rites. Family members often prefer to handle body preparations themselves, a practice rooted in tradition. Only two individuals in Thimphu currently offer voluntary dead body preparation services, primarily assisting in “kidu” cases where families are unavailable.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) played a crucial role in managing dead bodies and continues to support funeral services during disasters. In 2021, BRCS handled 278 cases, followed by 191 in 2022, three in 2023, and seven in 2024. No cases have been reported yet in 2025.
Thimphu currently has only one dedicated vehicle for funeral services, while BRCS operates through its 21 branches nationwide to support body transportation and funeral coordination in collaboration with the Kidu office. However, the growing need for structured forensic and funeral management services highlights the necessity for legal reforms and public awareness to ensure both justice and proper end-of-life care in Bhutan.
