MUMBAI: The Davierwalla family, original owners of the Sanjan bungalow property—which was transformed into an affordable facility for the Parsi-Irani community—has firmly opposed its sale to a developer.
The family sold the ancestral property in 1997 to the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds (WZOTF) for a nominal price of Rs 65 lakh, conditioned for community use only.
Recently, TOI reported increasing backlash against WZOTF’s plan to sell the 2.5-acre property, citing losses due to low occupancy. In a letter to WZOTF trustees, sisters Anahita and Roshan Davierwalla declared they “strongly and unequivocally oppose the proposed sale of our ancestral property at Sanjan.” Located about 150 km from Mumbai, the town of Sanjan holds significant value to the community.
“Our family sold the property at a minimal price solely for the benefit and welfare of the Parsi Zoroastrian community. It was meant to serve as a center for senior citizens, an orphanage, and related facilities exclusively for Parsi-Irani Zarathustris. Selling or misusing this cherished asset violates the very purpose of the transfer,” they stated.
The sisters also clarified, “We categorically reject and condemn the false rumors that we consented to this sale.” Anahita Davierwalla added, “Endorsing my late father’s wishes, the property was given to the WZO for a minimal amount, believing they represented a trust for the Zoroastrian community, with the intention that it remain within the community forever.”
Advocate Rayomand Zaiwalla shared with TOI: “The Davierwalla family transferred their substantial estate, including a mansion and extensive land, to the WZO in 1997 at a fraction of the market price. The transfer deed had a specific clause stating it was to be utilized solely for the community’s benefit. It was never intended for WZO’s trustees to resell it to developers for commercial gain.”
Meanwhile, three community members have filed a caveat with the charity commissioner to halt the property’s sale. The World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zoroastrians (WAPIZ) has proposed Rs 5 crore to WZOTF to purchase the property and retain it for community use.
A WAPIZ member expressed, “The property’s market value is approximately Rs 3 crore. Additionally, WZOTF hasn’t set a reserve price for bids. This is the maximum WAPIZ can offer, as we believe this property should remain with our community,” said a WAPIZ representative.
