The family of Vijayalakshmi, who tragically fell into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur on August 23, conducted a final religious ceremony at the site before returning to India. The poignant ceremony was held on Sunday, September 1, just before the family's scheduled departure.

According to a report from Astro Awani, Vijayalakshmi's husband, son, and sister gathered at the sinkhole site to perform the Hindu rituals. The somber ceremony included the lighting of oil lamps and the ringing of bells, both traditional elements meant to honor the deceased and seek peace for their soul. The family was also seen taking a clump of soil from the site, which they carefully placed in a plastic bag, presumably to take back to India as a final remembrance of their loved one.

Vijayalakshmi, originally from Kuppam in Andhra Pradesh, India, went missing after falling into the sinkhole. The incident led to a massive search and rescue (SAR) operation, involving various efforts including the use of sniffer dogs and scuba units. Despite the extensive search, the SAR team was unable to locate her.

The search operation, which lasted for nine days, was officially called off on Saturday, August 31. Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), announced the decision, citing safety concerns for the SAR team, the public, and the surrounding area as the primary reasons for ending the efforts.

As the family departs for India at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, they leave behind a site marked by tragedy but also by their enduring love and the rituals that connect them to their cultural and religious roots.

Source: Astro Awani