Christians flay BDTA for shady property deals
The Anglican community belonging to the Church of North India (CNI) has come out against the various factions of the Bombay Diocesan Trust Association (BDTA) for trying to dispose of church properties.
Community leaders and other church-going beneficiaries have welcomed the recent orders passed by the state charity commissioner disallowing the sale and redevelopment of CNI properties. A faction of the BDTA led by PB Amolik had sought the charity commissioner's permission to sell transfer of development rights (TDR) of St Peter's Church, Mazgaon, arguing that the property was lying vacant and idle and there was a fear of encroachment. The faction also claimed that the property generated no income and there was a 'compelling need' to sell it.
The joint charity commissioner has not only refused to allow the sale of TDR of the St Peter's Church property, but also spoken out against any attempt to demolish heritage structures on the plot, including the church.
"The historic judgment by the charity commissioner has delighted all parishioners, worshippers, and the entire Christian community," said Cyril Dara, an activist who had initiated criminal suits against the BDTA. "All fraudulent deals are satanic and all the so-called illegal custodian trustees of BDTA are liable for criminal action and prosecution," said Cyril Dara, a church activist, who had initiated criminal suits against the BDTA.
Echoing his view, Sharad Surve, a church-goer, said, "We all object to the redevelopment plan for St Peter's Church because of the heritage status of this structure." Community members also condemned the illegal activities taken up by the BDTA and alleged that they were conspiring against the community.
"We strongly condemn the anti-Christ activities of the bishop of Mumbai, CNI priests, and the trustees of the BDTA and St Peter's School in hatching a conspiracy to demolish our churches, convert them into prayer halls, and sell the increased FSI meant for religious places to builders, thus earning crores of rupees," said Sandeep Gaikwad, president, All
India Legal Committee People's Synod, CNI."All churches in Mumbai and the country are maintained by the worshippers and the Christian community through donations, membership fees, and offerings," Gaikwad said. "But these salaried bishops and priests were indulging in disgusting, shameful activities."
Gaikwad said the nexus between the bishops and the BDTA was evident, as no action was being taken to stem the rot. But "the community will see to it that these people are prosecuted and punished by the government," he said.