ACB Traps Ahmedabad Chief Fire Officer, Middleman Over ₹36,000 Bribe for Fire NOCs

Ahmedabad Chief Fire Officer Amitkumar Anandrao Dongre has been booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after a successful trap operation in connection with an alleged ₹36,000 bribery case linked to fire NOC approvals. Along with Dongre, the ACB also arrested Bhavsinh Pratapbhai Zala, a private individual, who was allegedly acting as an intermediary in the deal.

According to the ACB, the complainant, a Fire Safety Officer (FSO), had submitted applications for fire NOCs of six buildings on the Gujarat government's online portal. Investigators alleged that Zala demanded ₹6,000 per NOC, totalling ₹36,000, to secure approval of all six applications. Acting on a complaint filed by a vigilant citizen at the Vadodara City ACB Police Station, officials laid a trap near Yash Ekva Complex at Vijay Crossroads in Memnagar on August 7. Zala was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the ₹36,000 bribe.

During the trap, ACB officials said Zala contacted Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre over the phone regarding the payment. Preliminary findings suggest Dongre allegedly consented to the acceptance of the bribe. The ACB has alleged that Zala demanded and accepted the bribe at Dongre's behest, and that both accused acted in conspiracy to facilitate corruption. Further legal proceedings against both accused are underway.