Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued show-cause notices as part of disciplinary action against three estate department officers following a deadly fire at an illegal AC godown in Gyanada Society, located near Jivraj Park Crossroads in the city.

Show-cause notices have been issued to Assistant TDO Kantibhai Dafda, Vejalpur Ward Inspector Rajeshbhai Jivani, and Vejalpur Ward Sub-Inspector Nikunjbhai Parmar. The fire, which occurred on Sunday, claimed the lives of a woman and her son and caused significant damage to nearby homes, sparking widespread concern over safety and accountability. After the fire, it came to light that the chairman of the society had filed a complaint with the estate department in March last year, raising concerns about the illegal commercial AC godown operating within residential premises. However, no action was taken at the time.

According to the show-cause notices issued by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the South West Zone, the fire broke out on the evening of April 6, 2025, in bungalow no. 24 of Gyanada Co.O.H.S.L., located in T.P. Scheme No.1 (Vejalpur), End Block No.70, in Electoral Ward No.32. It is prima facie evident that AC servicing materials, including AC gas cylinders, were stored on the ground floor of the tenement, which led to the fire.

The society’s chairman/secretary had filed an application with the Deputy Municipal Commissioner’s office, requesting action against the illegal commercial activity. Although the application was received, the estate department failed to act on it, displaying gross negligence in duty.

In light of this serious lapse, the AMC has asked the officers to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them under Section 5 of the GPMC Act. They have been given seven days from the receipt of the notice to submit a written explanation. Failure to respond will be treated as a voluntary forfeiture of the opportunity for defense, and further disciplinary proceedings will be initiated. DeshGujarat