One of the most popular bajji shop owners in Chennai, Sivaramakrishnan, who ran the 'jannal bajji kadai', died of coronavirus on Sunday, July 5.

Sivaramakrishnan, who was identified as Ramesh by the locals, was admitted to the Government Royapettah Hospital on June 4 after he exhibited symptoms of the virus. He died at 3 am on July 5, according to a Greater Chennai Corporation official. "As is the procedure, he was checked for Covid-19. The test result came positive," an official said, according to a report by a news agency. A previous resident of Mylapore who lives in Poland reportedly mentioned about him. "The bajjis were nominally priced. My relatives used to live on East Mada Street. So I would frequent the shop. Ramesh mama was also a very chilled out person," he said, according to the news agency. Another resident said, "I would take a parcel to eat at home as well. Ramesh uncle would be kind enough to give extra chutney as well. The food was always fresh and tasty. Ramesh was an extremely hard-working person. The food price was very nominal. A plate of bajjis cost 30, while he would give three idlis for the same price. Hot potato bondas would cost 30 for two pieces. Other bigger branded restaurants in the neighbouring streets sell at double that price."

The shop owner was cremated on July 5 at the Mylapore crematorium. As on July 7, a total of 720k cases have been registered across India and 20160 people have died. Tamil Nadu has reported 115k cases and 1571 deaths.