Vituperative and often anonymous criticism was unleashed on social media when on August 17, 2021 pictures surfaced of non-Parsis who were permitted in the vicinity of the verandah, compound and the well of Dadar’s Rustom Framna Agiary. The contingent of municipal and police officials were accompanied by the Agiary manager, Ervad Kaizad Karkaria.
Ervad Kaizad Karkaria with municipal and police officials at Rustom Framna Agiary
The Parsee Voice asked on August 18, "What on earth prompted Ervad Karkaria to take them on an uncalled for (mis)guided tour of the Agiary? Any Parsi worth his salt knows that Agiary precincts are out of bounds for non-Parsis! Why did Karkaria, an otherwise efficient and strict administrator, himself a mobed and also manager of the Agiary, besides being a boiwala at Wadiaji Atash Behram, ignore this cardinal principle? Was it such an impromptu action that it did not even strike him to consult (Nasha) Jassawalla or any other trustee? Or was he so sure that his inappropriate action would not be called to question by the trustees and/or the public in general, who are beneficiaries of the holy place, that he simply proceeded undeterred?”
Chairman and managing trustee of the Agiary Nasha Jassawalla clarified that "the local corporator came to our Agiary to plant a few saplings, as a token of goodwill, for which prior permission was granted… On seeing a few Parsis enter the Agiary, our manager Kaizad was questioned. He explained that people had come in simply to collect their vases, and not for anything else, which the authorities were satisfied with.” Jassawalla clarified further that "the main doors of the central room housing the consecrated fire were shut, which the authorities were not privy to nor even interested in entering… Kaizad also showed them that we have sufficient room for social distancing, and hence be permitted to allow a few behdins to attend important ceremonies.” The managing trustee stated: "In no way was the sanctity of the Agiary compromised. It was a decision that had to be taken on the spur of the moment. Kaizad has been advised to exercise greater discretion in future.” The communication ended thus: "If any sentiments have been hurt, the trustees express their regret… The matter is now closed and no further clarifications will be issued or correspondence entertained in this matter.”