00:00A notice surfaced on social media on Tuesday from the Baraka Grounds official Facebook page
00:06announcing that the premises has been locked down until further notice.
00:10It comes amid growing tensions over the management of Baraka Grounds
00:14following the death of businessman and activist Inshan Ishmael in August 2025.
00:20The grounds have long served as a venue for Islamic religious gatherings,
00:25community initiatives and charitable activities.
00:27It also houses a food village and has offered free parking for the Diwali Nagar patrons close by.
00:34In September, the foundation publicly distanced itself from Ishmael's son, Zakir,
00:40stating that he had been removed as chairman and director on August 12, 2026.
00:47The foundation also disputes claims concerning the ownership of the land,
00:51saying they were managed by the foundation.
00:53Zakir subsequently maintained that the grounds belonged to the Muslim community
00:58and had been entrusted to his late father for its benefit.
01:01The latest notice says police were informed before the lockdown
01:05and are now on site to ensure the situation is handled appropriately.
01:10The foundation has also cited alleged financial misconduct and other wrongdoing,
01:16but those claims have not been independently established.
01:19However, Zakir Ishmael is challenging the circumstances surrounding the lockdown.
01:24In a social media post, he claims that he, his workers and tenants have been prevented from entering the compound.
01:30He also questions claims of active bomb threats,
01:34saying he has not observed a visible police or bomb squad presence on the premises.
01:39Ishmael suggests the security restrictions could be intended to prevent access to the property
01:44and disrupt their parking operations.
01:47He is demanding transparency and answers from the board.
01:51The foundation says the premises will remain under lockdown until further notice
01:56as it seeks to restore accountability and transparency.
02:00Urvishi Tomori, Rupnarain, TV6 News.
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