Jodupala victim Manjula's last rites performed with sculpted image

Sullia: Nearly two months after 15-year-old Manjula was buried alive in the August 16 landslides that occured at Jodupala, disheartened members of her family performed her last rites on October  10, Wednesday using a sculpted image.

As relentless efforts made to trace Manjula’s body proved futile, even after 56 days of the incident it was decided to grant moksha to her soul by performing the funeral.

A sculpted image of Manjula was created using palm leaves. The effigy was then draped in a silk sari. A gold medal won by Manjula in throw ball competition was adorned on the effigy and her favourite vanity bag placed alongside.  Later, the marriage ritual was also performed as per the customs.

Her last rites were performed by her parents – Kudiyara Somayya and Jayanthi – at the spot where she lost her life.

Teachers and students of Mademaheshwara School, where Manjula was studying attended the funeral ceremony.

A Bettur native Manjula was staying at her relative Basappa’s place in Jodupala. On the fateful day of the incident Manjula, Basappa, Gauramma and Monisha had been washed away in the landslides. While the bodies of the other three were found, Manjula’s body remained untraceable.