Mangalore: When Neighbour's Order Opened 'Gate' to Police Trouble
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Dec 9: Gone are the days when neighbours were ready to help each other any time, for anything. The modern 'civilized' society, especially in cities is highly individualistic, where people stay aloof in their own little shells, so much so that even matters that can be resolved easily get blown into full-fledged confrontations.

Once such quarrel that erupted between residents of two flats at 'Lotus Park' apartments located on Old Pumpwell road reached the doors of Kadri police station, on Friday December 9 afternoon.

In a complaint filed by Lilly Pinto, wife of John Pinto, she stated that one of the residents in the same apartments, identified as Willina D'Souza, has banned the entry of auto rickshaws and other vehicles inside the compound. It may not sound something that would need police intervention, except that John cannot walk as he has lost both legs to diabetes, and needs autos to stop at the doorstep of the apartment. Both his legs had to be amputated when his diabetes reached an extreme level. He is also a cardiac patient.

The complaint has also been filed against the president of the apartments Hema Adyantaya, and treasurer Melwin Patrao.

Lilly, John and their 18-year-old son have been staying in the apartment for the last 11 months. The owner of the apartments is said to be staying out of station, and Willina D'Souza has been allegedly demanding maintenance charges of the apartment from the Pinto couple. John and Lilly have so far refused to pay the charges, claiming that they have been depositing the amount in the society’s bank account. They say that as Willina has no documents to prove herself as the authorised person to collect payments, they have refused to hand over their share to her.

"She does not have any document to prove that she is authorized to collect maintenance charges," Lilly told media persons, adding that they have been depositing the money in Canara Bank.
 
While Willina refused to appear before the media, Lilly said that Willina has locked the apartment gate so that auto rickshaws cannot reach the doorstep.
 
When S Thilakraj of Pandeshwar police station arrived, on behalf of Kadri police as the latter were busy with another case, he told them that if they fail to reach a compromise on the matter by themselve, police action will be initiated depending on the decision taken by Kadri police.

Finally, after police gave orders, Willina agreed to open the gate and allowed John to alight at the doorstep.