Over 20 members of Islam Gymkhana have accused its management of illegal cutting and trimming of decades-old trees and massive unauthorised construction during the COVID-19 lockdown. They also alleged that the club encroached upon an area touching the compound walls of Marine Lines railway station, which obstructed the efforts to douse a fire on January 9. The BMC had to use 14,000 litres of water to douse the blaze during the hushed-up incident, show official records. Marine Drive police, the BMC and the Collector did not pay heed to their complaint, claimed the members. 

Islam Gymkhana is located on the collector’s land. But without seeking official permission, the management indulged in malpractices and unauthorised constructions that gained pace during the lockdown. The main person involved in these illegal works is the president, Yusuf Abrahani, who is a former MLA from Govandi,” said Mohammed Ashraf A Karim Kapadia, who is a lifetime member of the century-old gymkhana.