Finally, the B-ward officials with the help of Dongri police on Tuesday started pulling down the controversial illegal structure in Masjid Bunder. 98, Zakaria Masjid Street was earlier a legal building but demolished for raising an illegal seven-storey there.

BMC officials said the building is rendered unserviceable. More than 40 labourers, with cutters and hammers, demolished its inner portion up to second floor. Around 35 cops from Dongri station were present to give protection to the civic staff.

BMC will initiate action under the monopolies and restrictive trade practices (MRTP) Act against the owner and occupants, who have already been served with notices.

However, the facade portion of the building was not demolished as it necessitates gas-cutters and pocklain machines. Also additional security will have to be arranged as the street is congested and busy.

B-ward officials downplayed the demolition, claiming it yet another routine act. "We keep on taking action as and when we identify such illegal buildings. Ironically, this building was legal earlier. Though old and dilapidated, after demolishing, the developer raised an illegal structure without any permission or submitting any plans," said a civic staff.

dna, on Monday, had reported about the illegal building, raised by a well-known aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Civic officials say enough notices have been slapped on the building's owner and occupants.

Interestingly, the developer is another person. These buildings are raised on metal beams, used as props and angles for the support, and the flooring is done by cement and tiles, making it most dangerous for the occupants to live in.

More than 18-20 families and those occupying the commercial space on the ground floor were the legal tenants of the building. None of them chose to speak over the issue considering the sensitivity of the matter. A small-time contractor of the area hesitantly told dna that usually the owner and the developer ensure that tenants get their just share. "I am sure that the people will not be cheated," he said.