Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 9: In a rare disciplinary action, over 15 senior officials of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) have lost their jobs after being caught on CCTV taking away confiscated items such as oil bottles and coconuts for personal use.

According to aviation sources, the incident came to light last month when the HR department confronted the officials with CCTV footage showing them carrying away security-restricted articles (SRA) that had been seized from passengers. These goods, ranging from knives and lighters to coconuts and cooking oil, are typically marked for disposal or handed over to NGOs.

The officials — some of whom had worked with MIAL for one to two decades in posts such as duty terminal manager, deputy manager, and senior executive — were allegedly asked to either resign immediately or face termination.

Speaking anonymously, one of the affected officials said, “We assumed taking a coconut or oil bottle would not be treated as a major offence. For years, nobody questioned it. We were shown no leniency, no warning — just forced to resign for a first-time mistake.”

Legal experts have questioned the move. Advocate Ashok Shetty noted, “The Supreme Court of India stresses on fair hearing before termination. Forcing 15 resignations without inquiry amounts to illegal termination.”

Mumbai airport handles 1.5 lakh passengers daily, and SRA confiscations are routine. In a single shift, items such as e-cigarettes, matchboxes, knives, scissors, and even coconuts pile up in dozens. Sources say these goods are either dumped or handed over to NGOs like Rescue Foundation.

MIAL has not officially responded to queries on the matter.