June 27, 2010 was a "day of mixed emotions” for the residents of Godrej Baug, wrote Navaz Master, honorary secretary of the Godrej Baug Residents Welfare Association (GBRWA) in a letter dated July 15, addressed to residents of the colony. On that day a new managing committee of the Association for the term 2010-2012 had been elected in a poll ably conducted under the watchful eye of three election officials, Minoo Tavadia, Parvez Gadiwalla and Rohinton Bhiwandiwalla.
Results of the election were printed and circulated under the signature of these three officials on the same day. Of a total of 681 eligible voters, 377 cast their votes, only four of which were declared invalid. Eleven candidates from a slate of 16 were declared elected, the successful ones being Neville Daroga, Master, Behram Rudina, Tehmtan Dumasia, Farhad Hozdar, Nilufer Nasirabadwala, Minoo Majra, Shahrukh Bilimoria, Kaizad Mistry, Neville Velati and Manek Mistry. Those who failed to make the grade were Darius Gotla, Aspi Bharu-cha, Pervez Sidhwa, Behram Khambatta and Ratan Patel.
Godrej Baug: active residents’ association
However, Master writes that "the evening of the same day turned to dismay when the Baug witnessed one of the most shameful and painful annual general meetings, where some vested members raised trivial issues and sought to malign the office bearers of the previous committee.” The general body sought clarifications, which were given, to the satisfaction of all present, Master noted. She added that minutes of the meeting were being circulated so that "no malicious propaganda and slurs are carried forward.” The managing committee was also willing to provide details to anyone wanting further clarifications in writing within 10 days of the notice, after which the "sordid chapter” would be closed.
Earlier, on July 7, 2010 Master had circulated a "Serious warning” to all residents and senior citizens in particular about a smart, well dressed gentleman who was duping residents. Describing his modus operandi she said that the man approaches a lone senior resident of a baug or housing colony armed with an identity card from MTNL or other service provider, and tells them that MTNL has started special services for them to provide discount on bills. One particular lady resident had a pending bill of Rs 140, so he asked her to write out a cheque, filling in the amount only in figures and sign it, as other details would be filled in later by the computer. He also took cash to pay another pending bill. Later, the lady became suspicious and rushed to the bank along with a relative to instruct the bank to stop payment on the cheque. Since it was past closing time they had to return the next day. By that time the conman had added two zeros and withdrawn Rs 14,000 in cash from the lady’s account!