Materia Medica Malaysiana

Doctor found drowned in car

PETALING JAYA: One of the country’s most prominent gastroenterologist was killed when the car he was driving plunged into the Klang River in PJS 7/15 here yesterday.

The body of 55-year-old Dr M. Panir Chelvam, who specialised in digestive diseases, was recovered at noon and sent to the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) for a post-mortem.

Petaling Jaya Selatan Deputy OCPD Asst Comm Osman Abu Bakar said Dr Panir was believed to have lost his way in Bandar Sunway while heading home towards Bangsar Baru when the accident occurred at 2.30am.

“Post-mortem results indicated that Dr Panir had drowned and we have ruled out foul play,” he said.

ACP Osman said although the accident occurred at 2.30am, the authorities were only informed of the accident at 9.30am, when a member of the public contacted the police.

A team of policemen from the Petaling Jaya Selatan police headquarters and Sungai Way police station rushed to the scene together with a search and rescue team.

When the rescue team failed to open the car door to pull out the driver, a tow truck was called to help at about 11.30am.

Dr Panir's black-coloured Mercedes Benz was finally pulled out of the river some 30 minutes later.

It is learnt that Dr Panir was wearing his seat belt during the incident and his car doors were locked. His cash and valuables were found intact.

Dr Panir was awarded the Kesatria Mangku Negara by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1998.

He leaves behind his wife Dr Sheila Pillay and two daughters P. Alisha, 18, and P. Kavita, 16.



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Condolences to the family.