Trouble started on Tuesday when an AAI security official asked a Customs employee for his ID card at the gate of the cargo building. When the Customs employee, S Mondol, refused to oblige, an argument broke out. Finally, when the card was checked, it was found it had expired on January 10.

At 2 pm on Wednesday again, AAI official Asish Nag stopped two Customs employees from entering the cargo building as they allegedly did not have their ID cards. Once again, an argument broke out. AAI employees alleged that about 6-7 Customs employees gathered and beat Nag up.

Following the brawl, AAI employees stopped work around 3 pm. They demanded an immediate meeting with the management to sort out the issue. A meeting was eventually held at 4 pm in the presence of the Airport director.