With the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the tragic sinkhole incident at Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur now called off, the victim’s family has reportedly accepted the outcome and returned to India this evening.

Before departing across the Indian Ocean, the family of the 48-year-old victim, Vijayaletchumy, visited the sinkhole site earlier today to perform Hindu religious rituals in her honor.

Vijayaletchumy’s husband, son, and sister performed the final rites in an emotional ceremony at the scene, as reported by Astro Awani. As part of the ritual, the family lit oil lamps, rang bells, and took a clump of soil from the site, which they placed in a plastic bag, presumably to bring back to India.

According to Astro Awani, the victim’s family left Malaysia at 5 pm today.

Previously, Federal Territories Minister Dr. Zaliha mentioned that the family understood the decision to call off the SAR operation, and the government is considering compensation for the incident.

While efforts have now shifted towards recovery, it is hoped that, despite the odds, the victim will be found and her family will eventually find closure.

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Berat mata memandang berat lagi bahu yang memikul. Namun ahli keluarga G Vijaya Lakshmi, rakyat India yang hilang selepas terjatuh ke lubang sedalam lapan meter di Jalan Masjid India di sini pada 23 Ogos lalu akur dengan 'lukisan takdir' dan mengambil keputusan untuk kembali ke… pic.twitter.com/dyBHLhPdxk

— Astro AWANI (@501Awani) September 1, 2024