AHMEDABAD: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has terminated the appointment of Probationary Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre with immediate effect following an alleged bribery case involving fire safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for six buildings in the city.
The development came after the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) allegedly caught a third party accepting a ₹36,000 bribe in connection with the issuance of fire NOCs. The case is currently under investigation.
₹36,000 Bribe Allegedly Demanded for Six Fire NOCs
According to the AMC press note, Dongre allegedly demanded ₹36,000 through a third party for sanctioning fire NOCs for six different buildings in Ahmedabad. The ACB subsequently laid a trap after receiving information regarding the alleged bribe demand.
During the operation, the third party was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the ₹36,000 bribe. The ACB also reportedly recorded a telephone conversation between the third party and Dongre, in which the alleged bribe amount was discussed and agreed upon.
AMC Takes Immediate Administrative Action
Following the ACB action, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation moved quickly against Dongre. AMC has terminated his appointment as Probationary Chief Fire Officer with immediate effect.
The action comes as the alleged corruption case involves the fire NOC process, a crucial regulatory mechanism connected with fire and life safety compliance in buildings. The ACB investigation into the allegations remains underway.
What Is a Fire NOC?
A Fire No Objection Certificate is an important safety-related approval for eligible buildings and establishments. It confirms compliance with prescribed fire prevention and safety requirements.
Fire NOCs can involve scrutiny of safety arrangements such as:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Hydrant systems
- Emergency exits
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Evacuation arrangements
- Other prescribed fire safety measures
Because these approvals directly relate to public safety, allegations of corruption in the process have raised concerns over transparency and accountability.
Amit Dongre Had Led Ahmedabad Fire Operations
Dongre had been serving as Ahmedabad’s Chief Fire Officer after being appointed to the post by AMC in October 2024. At the time, he was serving as a Regional Fire Officer with the state government before taking charge of the city’s fire department. During his tenure, Dongre was also involved in major firefighting and emergency response operations in Ahmedabad.
He had publicly featured in reports concerning major incidents, including industrial fires and large-scale emergency operations in the city.
ACB Investigation Continues
The termination by AMC is an administrative action and does not by itself determine the final outcome of the criminal investigation. The ACB probe will establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribe demand, the role of the third party and the evidence collected during the trap operation. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Why the Case Matters
The case has attracted attention because the alleged bribe was connected to fire safety NOCs, which are intended to ensure that buildings meet essential safety requirements.
Any alleged irregularity in such approvals can raise wider questions about regulatory oversight, especially when fire safety compliance is directly linked to the protection of residents, workers and visitors.
The AMC’s immediate termination of Dongre’s probationary appointment signals an administrative response while the investigation proceeds.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has terminated the appointment of Probationary Chief Fire Officer Amit A. Dongre following an ACB bribery case involving an alleged ₹36,000 demand linked to fire NOCs for six buildings.
The ACB allegedly caught a third party accepting the money and also recorded a telephone conversation related to the alleged transaction. The investigation is continuing, and further developments are expected as authorities examine the evidence. The case has put renewed focus on transparency in Ahmedabad’s fire NOC system and the importance of maintaining strict accountability in processes directly connected with public safety.
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