H.V. Dharanandraiah (94), a prominent merchant at Santhepet and a resident of V.V. Mohalla, passed away last night at a private hospital in city following brief illness.

A philanthropist, President of Adinath Seva Trust at Srirangapatna and Mahaveer Vidyalaya, he leaves behind five daughters, sons-in-law and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were performed at Chirashanthidhama in Gokulam this afternoon, according to family sources.