Ahmedabad Civic Body Unable to Trace 21 Files From Vigilance Probes Into Illegal Constructions

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is searching for 21 missing files containing original documents from vigilance investigations into illegal commercial constructions, raising questions over record management and administrative accountability.

The files belong to the estate department of the civic body's Central Zone. Officials have been unable to locate them in the department and are now checking other departments and zonal offices to trace the missing records.

Missing Files Linked to Old Vigilance Investigations

The missing documents are not routine administrative records. They contain original papers relating to vigilance investigations into alleged illegal commercial constructions in areas including Shahpur, Shahibaug, Dudheshwar, Ghee Kanta and Mirzapur.

The cases date back between five and 15 years, yet they remain unresolved, according to the information available. The disappearance of the original records could complicate efforts to examine the cases and raises concerns about the preservation of documents linked to suspected construction violations.

The civic administration has faced criticism over the apparent gaps in its record-management system, particularly as officials attempt to trace files that should be available for official scrutiny.

Digital Mapping Plans Raise Questions Over Record Management

The development comes as the AMC prepares to undertake 3D digital mapping of Ahmedabad at a cost of several crores ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

While the civic body is planning advanced digital mapping of the city, the absence of online records for the missing files has highlighted concerns over the digitisation of its own administrative documents.

The episode has renewed questions about whether the corporation's internal records are adequately organised, digitised and preserved, particularly those connected to vigilance investigations and alleged violations of construction rules.