Now, ghosts of Best Bakery haunt survivors

While many believe that the building is unlucky, a resident Anil Parmar says: ‘‘Most people feel that the souls of those who were killed here will not let the occupants live in peace.’’

According to Parmar, this is the main reason why no one is coming forward to buy the property despite offers made by owners directly as well as through their contacts.

Zahira Shaikh, a key witness whose mother owned the bakery, says her family needs the money from the sale to set up another bakery in Ekta Nagar, a slum with more than 90 per cent Muslim population.

‘‘Lack of finances is a major hindrance,’’ says Zahira, who has shifted to a one-room apartment in Ekta Nagar along with her family.

‘‘A philanthropist donated a plot to set up the bakery but we don’t have enough money to restart all over again. We haven’t found any buyers for the Hanuman Tekri property,’’ said Zahira. All their money and valaubles were destroyed when the bakery was set ablaze by miscreants.

She said she had contacted local Congress leader Chandrkanat Srivastava, who lost the recent Assembly election to his BJP rival and former minister Bhupendra Lakhawala, but to no avail. Bhattu, when contacted, said: ‘‘I will certainly do something to help sell the property but it will take some time. Zahira will have to wait.’’