In a successful anti-corruption operation, the Ahmedabad Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a Divisional Fire Officer of the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for accepting a bribe of ₹65,000 in exchange for facilitating a fire NOC approval.  

The Accused and the Complaint  

The accused, Inayat Husain Ibrahim Sheikh, a Class-II officer posted at Prahladnagar Fire Station, allegedly demanded a bribe from a complainant who runs a private agency dealing with fire safety equipment installations and consultancy for fire NOC approvals in both government and private buildings.  

The complainant had submitted the necessary documents and files to obtain a fire NOC for a particular building. However, after a prolonged delay of nearly three months, the accused allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹80,000 to issue the clearance. The complainant refused to pay at the time, but after receiving the fire NOC, the officer reportedly insisted on payment, warning that failure to do so would jeopardise future approvals. Under pressure, the complainant initially paid ₹15,000 but was continuously harassed for the remaining ₹65,000.  

The Trap and Arrest  

Unwilling to succumb to corruption, the complainant approached the Ahmedabad ACB, which laid a trap under the supervision of Police Inspector M L Rajput from Anand ACB. Two state service officers were assigned to assist in the operation, and a government-authorised audio recorder was used to capture the transaction.  

On 22 February 2025, during a planned sting operation at the Prahladnagar Fire Station, the accused was caught red-handed accepting ₹65,000 from the complainant. He was immediately apprehended by the ACB team for misusing his official position for personal gain.  

Legal Action and Investigation  

The accused now faces legal proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act for criminal misconduct and abuse of power. The case is being supervised by N.N. Jadav, In-charge Assistant Director, ACB Ahmedabad Unit.