2-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a heart-rending farewell, the family of Vijayalaksmi, the 48-year-old Indian tourist who vanished into an 8-metre deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India on 23 August, conducted a poignant Hindu ceremony at the site of her disappearance before their return to India.
Astro Awani reported that Vijayalaksmi’s husband, son, and sister gathered at the location yesterday to perform the solemn ritual, marking a symbolic closure to their tragic ordeal in Malaysia’s capital. The family, hailing from Kuppam in Andhra Pradesh, engaged in traditional Hindu practices to honour their lost loved one and seek spiritual solace.
In a touching display of devotion and remembrance, the bereaved family members were observed lighting oil lamps and ringing bells, actions deeply rooted in Hindu custom and believed to guide the soul of the departed. Perhaps the most poignant moment came when they collected a small amount of soil from the site, carefully preserving it in a plastic bag. This gesture, laden with emotional and spiritual significance, suggested their intention to carry a piece of the location back to India, where Vijayalaksmi’s memory will be eternally cherished.
The family’s visit to the site of the tragedy came just hours before their scheduled departure to India, set for 5pm on the same day. This final act of remembrance provided a form of spiritual closure to their unexpected and traumatic experience in Kuala Lumpur.
Vijayalaksmi’s disappearance on 23 August sent shockwaves through both the local community and international visitors. The tourist fell victim to a sudden sinkhole that opened up in the bustling Jalan Masjid India area, a popular shopping district in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The incident prompted an intensive search and rescue operation that spanned several days.
Despite the valiant efforts of Malaysian authorities, who employed a range of advanced techniques including the use of sniffer dogs and specialised scuba units, the search team was ultimately unable to locate Vijayalaksmi. The challenging nature of the sinkhole, combined with potential underground water currents, severely hampered the rescue efforts.
