Mumbai: In Gilbert Hill, the loudspeakers play ‘peace, peace, peace’

Santosh Gaud’s neighbours carry his body to the Amboli crematorium

While politicians have been trying to stoke communal tensions over the use of loudspeakers at religious places since the last few days, compassion continues to drive Mumbaikars. On Saturday, Muslim residents from the Gilbert Hill area in Andheri West gave a fitting goodbye to their 45-year-old Hindu neighbour by performing his last rites.

Santosh Mahadev Gaud, a bhel vendor, had been living with his family in Gilbert Hill since his childhood. His home was right opposite the Makka Mosque, and was one of the three Hindu homes in the neighbourhood. For the last few years, Gaud had been suffering from a life-threatening illness; he lost his battle to the disease on Friday. Since his family was in a state of shock and his relatives unable to travel from his village in Jaunpur, his Muslim neighbours took it upon themselves to perform the last rites.

Local social worker Zakir Khan, along with his friends and neighbours took the initiative of preparing for his funeral. They even carried his body to the Amboli crematorium. Social worker Farook Saudagar, who was present at the funeral, said that "this unity of Hindus and Muslims is a slap on the face of those spreading hatred".

Mintu Gupta, the cousin of the deceased, said, "Our Muslim brothers have set an example of brotherhood and this has also been the culture of our country. We should not fall prey to those who spread hatred." Gaud was a resident of the Jaunpur district. He is survived by his parents, a younger brother, his wife and two children.