65-year-old Nergish Vicaji Kanga lost her life to a fire that broke out in her third-floor residence at Nirmal Niwas, Gowalia Tank, early morning on 7th November, 2018. The fire started in her flat around 3:00 am due to a short circuit, while she was asleep. A fourth floor resident living above Kanga’s flat noticed the fire and alerted all the others, who were asleep, about the fire. All other residents came out safely and alerted the fire brigade. Since

Kanga’s main door and safety door were locked from the inside, the firemen struggled to break in. The fire spread fast due to the large number of inflammable documents and old furniture in her flat. The blaze was doused with four fire engines after five hours. Fire brigade officials stated that they found her body near the bathroom, which indicated that she collapsed before she could reach the main door.

Since no relative or friend stepped forward to claim her body, the police sought assistance from the Bombay Parsi Punchayat (BPP). Yazdi Desai, BPP Chairman, confirmed that the BPP has claimed her body and would also be conducting all her post-death ceremonies. He also informed that her body has been sent to Nair hospital for post-mortem, but the same will be conducted only on Saturday, the 10th of November, due to the holidays in the current week.

Kanga was a single lawyer living by herself. According to her neighbours, she was the only Parsi in the society and didn’t get any visitors. She was reclusive by nature and hadn’t shared family details with them but was reportedly unwell for a while. The neighbours locked her door to protect her remaining belongings after the police did the panchnama.

Known for her constant selfless service to the Community, Anahita Desai stepped in to assist and with much difficulty and effort, was able to track down some of Kanga’s acquaintances. Kanga used to regularly attend Aslaji Agiary. Anahita ensured that all the post death prayers of the deceased would be organised and performed. On Thursday, 8th November, Kanga’s Uthamna and Sarosh nu patru prayers were held at Aslaji Agiary. It was sad and unfortunate to note that Anahita and Yazdi Desai were the only two present for the prayers. Speaking to Parsi Times, Anahita Desai has further assured that the she will be organising all the requisite prayers for the deceased including the Dusmo, Masiso and also the Muktads, etc., on behalf of the BPP. She also mentioned that special thanks was due, for their timely help and support, to Vistaspar Mehta, the kind and gracious Manager of Doongerwadi, and Community activist and political representative, Shahrookh Billimoria.