The family of the woman who tragically fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India on August 23 conducted religious rituals near the site yesterday before reportedly heading back to India. The search and rescue operation for Vijaya Lakshmi, which had been ongoing for nine days, was called off on Saturday, August 31, due to concerns for the safety of the rescue team and the surrounding area near the sinkhole.
According to a report by Astro Awani, the husband, son, and sister of Vijaya Lakshmi, the 48-year-old Indian tourist who tragically fell into a sinkhole, were seen performing rituals near the now cordoned-off site. They lit oil lamps and rang bells as part of their religious observances. Additionally, they were observed collecting a small lump of soil from the vicinity, placing it into a plastic bag, likely with the intention of bringing it back home.
The family of Vijaya Lakshmi returned to India yesterday, having come to terms with the impossibility of locating her. Vijaya Lakshmi, along with her family from Andhra Pradesh, was on vacation in Malaysia when she was tragically engulfed by an 8-meter-deep sinkhole while walking on Jalan Masjid India. What was meant to be a joyful holiday ended in unexpected tragedy, leaving the family to return home without her.
Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of sniffer dogs and scuba units, the search and rescue (SAR) team was unable to find Vijaya Lakshmi. Federal Territories Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa stated that she would bring the matter before the Cabinet this week to discuss possible compensation for Vijaya Lakshmi’s family.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
