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Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, 48, fell into the 8-meter-deep sinkhole on August 23. A search operation that began immediately after the incident was called off after nine days due to safety concerns.
Gali’s husband, son, and sister were among those present to pay their last respects on September 1.The family also collected soil from the site during the ceremony before departing for India the same day at 5 p.m.
In videos shared on social media, the family can be seen performing rituals that included lighting oil lamps and ringing bells as part of Hindu traditions.
People expressed condolences for the family, with one person commenting on YouTube, “This can happen to any of us. Since the tragedy and long search, which I followed with hope each day, was shut off… I dare not walk over any sinkhole anymore. Too cruel.” Another added, “So sad. I hope we don’t forget that the street is now also someone’s resting place.”
Gali was a native of Andhra Pradesh. Despite deploying various methods, including sniffer dogs and scuba units, the authorities were unable to locate her body.
On August 31, Zaliha Mustafa, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), announced that the search and rescue operation had been terminated.
The day before, on August 30, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassured the public that Kuala Lumpur is safe for tourists, stating that an investigation into the cause of the sinkhole had been conducted. He noted that a geotechnical study had identified the cause of the sinkhole and confirmed the area’s safety. Anwar also stressed the importance of promptly addressing and closely monitoring any locations at risk of developing sinkholes, urging the city council and the Prime Minister’s Department to take swift action.
