The ongoing dispute between the families of staffers of Indian Airlines and Air India residing in four colonies in Kalina and the Adani Group-controlled Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) reached a critical point as the latter began demolishing uninhabited buildings in one locality on Tuesday evening.

Residents of Indian Airlines Colony contend that MIAL staff, accompanied by a large police force, not only initiated “unauthorised” demolitions but also threatened them. On the other hand, MIAL maintains that it refrained from touching any occupied buildings, adhered to legal procedures and remained dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of the airport. The demolition could not be carried out as residents clung to buildings and women from the society sat in front of the JCB machine.