Santhepet Srikantaiah (85), Founder-Member and former President of Merchants Co-operative Bank, passed away at his residence in Kuvempunagar this morning.

Srikantaiah was running a wholesale grocery shop at Santhepet since 60 years and was popularly known as Santhepet Srikantaiah. He had also served as the President of Arya Samaj and was currently serving as the President of Karnataka State Arya Prathinidhi Sabha. He leaves behind three sons, two daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were performed at K.G. Koppal Burial Grounds this afternoon, according to sources.