San Markan Ganapathi Cremated At Batu Lanchang Hindu Cemetery

GEORGE TOWN, April 14 (Bernama) -- Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, 88, who died after being trapped in a fire that engulfed his office in a two-storey shophouse along Lebuh King here yesterday, was cremated at the Batu Lanchang Hindu Cemetery here today.

His son, Dr Ananda Raj San Markan and his wife and two children, along with over 100 relatives and friends attended the ceremony.

Prior to the cremation, San Markan’s remains were brought back to his house in Gelugor here after the completion of the autopsy at the Penang Hospital’s forensic medical department and over 200 people paid their last respects during a two-hour wake that began at 4 pm.

Relative M Muthy, 68, expressed his sadness over the loss of a loving uncle that never stopped helping people, including himself throughout his legal career that spanned over four decades.

Muthy, a government retiree, said San Markan began as a teacher before furthering his studies in England in his 30s to become a lawyer.

"He really wanted to be a lawyer to help others that’s why he decided to further his studies in law in England even though he was working as a teacher.

"Throughout his time as a lawyer, he really helped a lot of people and was known as a friendly person. We are all saddened and of course we will miss him as he always came to my house, especially during Deepavali,” he said when met during the wake today.

Penang Bar Committee chairman S Gowri meanwhile said that San Markan would be remembered as an experienced and learned leader, who often gave advice and was highly dedicated to the legal profession and active in civil litigation.

She said he was a strong supporter of the legal institution and was very kind and willing to share his knowledge and guidance with other lawyers and frequently sent her messages asking if she required assistance in the capacity of chairman.

“The Penang Bar has lost a senior lawyer and a loyal supporter of the legal field, and his contributions will always be remembered,” she added.

Timur Laut district deputy police chief Supt Lee Swee Sake was reported to have said that the deaths of San Markan and a woman clerk, B J Chandra, 60 have been classified as sudden deaths while Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said that no criminal elements were found in their preliminary investigation of the fire.

A full investigation is ongoing and the full report is expected to be completed within two weeks at the latest, he added.

-- BERNAMA