Controversial Appointment in Rajkot Game Zone Fire SIT Team Raises Eyebrows

GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT : The state government’s decision to include Jayesh Khadia, the in-charge fire officer of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire has sparked controversy. Khadia is currently under a vigilance inquiry, yet he has been appointed to investigate one of the state’s most serious fire incidents.

Leader of the opposition, Shehzad Khan Pathan, has publicly criticized the appointment, highlighting the ongoing investigation into Khadia’s conduct. “A vigilance investigation is underway regarding bogus sponsorships and the issuance of fire NOCs beyond municipal limits,” Pathan stated. “It is questionable why an officer under such scrutiny has been chosen for this critical investigation.”

According to fire brigade sources, Khadia is being investigated for issuing fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to game zones outside the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. Despite these allegations, he has been made the in-charge Chief Fire Officer of AMC, a position that remains temporary and without permanent assignment. This move has raised concerns about the appropriateness of his involvement in the SIT.

Pathan elaborated on the importance of the role of a fire department officer in such investigations. “The officer must determine the cause of the fire, understand why it spread rapidly, identify the materials involved, and evaluate the firefighting equipment used,” he explained. “Given the gravity of the Rajkot fire, the decision to appoint an officer under vigilance inquiry is highly questionable.”

Critics argue that there are other qualified officers within the state’s fire department who are not under investigation and could effectively lead the probe. The inclusion of Khadia, despite the serious allegations against him, has led to doubts about the integrity and efficacy of the investigation.

“This is a matter of public safety and trust,” Pathan emphasized. “The state government should ensure that only the most competent and untainted officers are assigned to such crucial tasks. The decision to appoint an in-charge officer without permanent charge, especially one under investigation, needs thorough scrutiny.”