Forged fire NOC for Vadodara complex triggers probe

Vadodara: An ostensibly forged fire no-objection certificate (NOC) submitted for a commercial complex has raised concerns within the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), prompting the fire and emergency services department to launch a broader investigation into fire safety clearances.
The forged NOC came to light after a recent fire at Arsh Plaza, where electricity meters caught fire. Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd then disconnected the complex's power supply. After repairs were carried out, the complex — which has a hospital, a bank branch and other establishments — sought to restore its power connection.
Under municipal regulations, reconnection requires clearance from the fire department. When Arsh Plaza submitted its documents, including its previously obtained fire NOC, a fire department official flagged irregularities in it.
The certificate bore the signature of former in-charge chief fire officer (CFO) Parth Brahmbhatt, while the name on the document was that of his successor, Nikunj Azad. Azad has since been replaced by a full-time CFO, Manoj Patil. The mismatch raised suspicions.
"Prima facie, the document appears to be forged," said CFO Manoj Patil. "We have asked the complex for a clarification. Further action will be decided based on their response."
In a further indication of forgery, the receipt number for the certificate fee corresponded with a payment made for a water tanker supplied by the civic body — an unrelated service.
The incident triggered a review of fire NOCs, particularly for high-rise buildings. Sources in the department said all fire safety documents will be thoroughly vetted to prevent similar occurances.
Vadodara: An ostensibly forged fire no-objection certificate (NOC) submitted for a commercial complex has raised concerns within the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), prompting the fire and emergency services department to launch a broader investigation into fire safety clearances.
The forged NOC came to light after a recent fire at Arsh Plaza, where electricity meters caught fire. Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd then disconnected the complex's power supply. After repairs were carried out, the complex — which has a hospital, a bank branch and other establishments — sought to restore its power connection.
Under municipal regulations, reconnection requires clearance from the fire department. When Arsh Plaza submitted its documents, including its previously obtained fire NOC, a fire department official flagged irregularities in it.
The certificate bore the signature of former in-charge chief fire officer (CFO) Parth Brahmbhatt, while the name on the document was that of his successor, Nikunj Azad. Azad has since been replaced by a full-time CFO, Manoj Patil. The mismatch raised suspicions.
"Prima facie, the document appears to be forged," said CFO Manoj Patil. "We have asked the complex for a clarification. Further action will be decided based on their response."
In a further indication of forgery, the receipt number for the certificate fee corresponded with a payment made for a water tanker supplied by the civic body — an unrelated service.
The incident triggered a review of fire NOCs, particularly for high-rise buildings. Sources in the department said all fire safety documents will be thoroughly vetted to prevent similar occurances.