The controversial priest Ervad Yezdi Karanjia who had resigned from his post at the Hormusji Khurshedji Captain Daremeher in Gandevi has since then withdrawn his resignation, stated Gandevi Parsi Anjuman Charity Trust Fund trustee Farokh Shaher on June 5, 2023. The Trust manages the fire temple.
Ervad Yezdi Karanjia praying before an idol of Ganesh
Photos of Karanjia, dressed in a jamo and white pugree praying before an idol of the Hindu God Ganesh on March 29, made the rounds on social media and drew adverse comments from several viewers. Karanjia alleged the husband of a trustee had on April 29 held him by his collar and removed his pugree. He later told Parsiana he has lodged a police complaint. That day marked the 188th salgirah of the Daremeher and invitees were asked to be present for a fala ni maachi (prayers recited between the change of gahs). The priest claimed he was humiliated in front of Gandevi residents as well as visitors from Chikhli, Bilimora and Valsad.
Shaher had alleged that there were many previous complaints from behdins about Karanjia who has served the fire temple for six years. However, Shaher was relieved that the Trust will not need to search for a new mobed. Bemoaning the shortage of priests in Bombay, he rued: "It is extra difficult to find one for Gujarat.”