Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, the 88-year-old lawyer who died in a shophouse fire, was cremated at the Batu Lanchang Hindu Cemetery today.
GEORGE TOWN: Datuk San Markan Ganapathi was cremated at the Batu Lanchang Hindu Cemetery here today following his death in a fire at his office yesterday.
His son, Dr Ananda Raj San Markan, attended the ceremony alongside his wife, two children, and over 100 relatives and friends.
Prior to the cremation, San Markan’s remains were taken to his Gelugor home after an autopsy at Penang Hospital, where over 200 people paid their last respects during a two-hour wake.
A relative, M Muthy, expressed sadness over the loss of a loving uncle who never stopped helping people throughout his legal career spanning over four decades.
Muthy explained that San Markan began as a teacher before furthering his law studies in England in his 30s to become a lawyer.
“He really wanted to be a lawyer to help others, which is why he decided to further his studies in law in England even though he was working as a teacher,” he said.
Penang Bar Committee chairman S Gowri said San Markan would be remembered as an experienced and learned leader dedicated to the legal profession and active in civil litigation.
She added that he was a strong supporter of the legal institution, often offering his knowledge and guidance to other lawyers.
“The Penang Bar has lost a senior lawyer and a loyal supporter of the legal field, and his contributions will always be remembered,” she said.
Police have classified the deaths of San Markan and a 60-year-old woman clerk, B J Chandra, as sudden deaths following the fire.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said no criminal elements were found in their preliminary investigation.
A full investigation is ongoing, with the report expected to be completed within two weeks.
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