Severed hands found on Russian river bank not suspicious
Fifty-seven severed hands were found in a bag on the banks of the Anur River near Khabarovsk. (AP) AP
Russian authorities claim there is nothing suspicious about 54 severed hands that were found in a bag near the Chinese border.
An investigation was launched after 27 sets of hands severed at the wrist washed up on the banks of the Amur River, which forms the border between Russia and China.
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Many speculated the gruesome discovery was linked to the Chinese mafia or even a serial killer.
However, a Russian Investigation Committee has concluded the hands were severed by a forensic lab and disposed of incorrectly after being stored for identification purposes.
"These biological items (human hands) do not have a criminal background," the Committee said.
According to the Siberian Times, it is common practice in Russia to cut the hands of Jane or John Does off for future finger print testing, instead of storing the data digitally.
The committee did find the disposal of the limbs was abnormal and have launched an investigation into why they were stashed in a bag and dumped in the river.
"A legal judgement will be made on the activities of the forensic experts of Khabarovsk city, who are in charge of utilising the above-mentioned items."
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