8 days after Vijayaletchumi fell into the sinkhole in Masjid India in KL, the authorities ended the search mission as they deemed it too risky and dangerous to continue.
After a sorrowful period of waiting, the family returned home to India without Vijayaletchumi’s body. Just recently, the victim’s son returned to the traumatic sinkhole site 1 month after the tragic incident to perform last rites for his deceased mother
In a viral TikTok post by @sarvaessrashbinrajappa dated September 22 and 23, the victim’s son is seen performing a last rites ritual by tossing yellow flowers into the sinkhole, where his mother fell and has been missing since.
“31st day, final rites prayers for my mother,” the son wrote in the caption.
According to Funeral Partners, Hindu funeral rites involve washing the body with ghee, honey, or milk before placing a garland of flowers or pinda (rice balls) around the coffin. This act is thought to assist the deceased in their spiritual journey forward and serve as an offering to their ancestors.
The family will also dress the deceased in nice clothes or traditionally, wrap the deceased in a white sheet.
As Vijayaletchumi’s body was never retrieved, her son could only place the garland of flowers in the sinkhole during the final rites and prayers.
Hindu funeral rites are often overseen by a Hindu priest or the eldest son of the deceased.
The pain of losing a mother
Malaysian social media users who saw the video took the opportunity to express their sympathy for the family, as well as, wish the son well.
“Poor him. He will be reminded of his mum every time he comes here. What would we feel if our mums passed away in a foreign place with the body not found? We’re sorry, we’ve tried our best.”
“Rest in peace. This is how painful it is to lose a mother.”
“He must be missing his mum.”
“Who wouldn’t be heartbroken when the body of their deceased mums is not found? We can only be strong. Be patient, pray for your mum.”
“He might be able to accept fate if his mother was found but it’s painful to accept that his mother is never found.”
“This is a son who is always good to his mum. We are also sad about the incident.”
@sarvaessrashbinrajappa
Condolences to the grieving family during the tough time. We would also like to thank all authorities and rescue teams who had worked day and night during the search mission.
Also read: No Need to Declare Jalan Masjid India a Danger Zone Despite Sinkhole Incident, PDRM Says
