Ahmedabad Fire Brigade Row Over Garba Passes: DFO Swastik Jadeja Gets Show-Cause Notice, Seeks ACB Probe
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Ahmedabad’s Fire and Emergency Services department has been rocked by an internal dispute over Garba passes, with Divisional Fire Officer (DFO) Swastik Jadeja facing a show-cause notice over the alleged unauthorised use of a government vehicle.
The controversy has escalated after Jadeja sent a four-page letter demanding an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation against In-charge Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jayesh Khadiya, following a heated telephone exchange between the two officials.
DFO Accused Of Using Another Officer’s Vehicle For 13 Hours
According to the show-cause notice, Jadeja’s allotted Bolero, bearing registration number GJ-01-GA-1890, was parked in working condition at Thaltej Fire Station on October 16, 2026.
Despite this, he allegedly took a First Response Vehicle, registration number GJ-01-GA-3428, assigned to a Station Fire Officer, without prior approval or informing the Rojkam/Paldi Control Room.
The notice alleges that the vehicle was used for around 13 hours without the required entry in official records. It was returned to the fire station at 4.18 am on October 17, while an entry was allegedly made at 4.25 am.
Officials are examining allegations that Jadeja used another vehicle to avoid GPS tracking installed in his allotted Bolero. The claim has not been independently established.
Dispute Began Over Garba Passes
The row reportedly began on Friday night when organisers of the ‘Parampara’ Garba event and another venue complained to Khadiya by telephone, alleging that Jadeja had created a scene over passes.
The organisers reportedly alleged that the officer had pressured them to provide passes. Following the complaint, the matter was raised with senior officials, triggering an internal inquiry into the alleged use of the department vehicle.
Khadiya subsequently issued Jadeja a show-cause notice, seeking an explanation within one day over the alleged indiscipline and misuse of government property.
Heated Exchange Leads To ACB Demand
The dispute intensified when Khadiya questioned Jadeja about the vehicle’s movement over the telephone. According to the notice, the conversation turned into a heated argument.
The notice accuses Jadeja of violating Rule 3 of the Gujarat Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1971, and provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act.
Jadeja has responded with a four-page letter seeking an ACB investigation against Khadiya. The details of the allegations made in that letter were not available in the material provided.
Regular CFO On Leave
The dispute has unfolded while regular Chief Fire Officer Mithun Mistry is on leave due to ill health, leaving Khadiya in charge of the department.
Fire brigade vehicles are allocated to officers for emergency response and other official duties. The allegations concerning the First Response Vehicle have raised questions about vehicle authorisation, movement records and GPS monitoring within the department.
The matter remains an internal administrative dispute, with Jadeja’s explanation and the outcome of any further inquiry awaited.
