Gujarat : Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Officers in Hot Water over Alleged Property Tax Scam at Palladium Mall

Ahmedabad : The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is facing serious allegations of a property tax scam involving crores of rupees. Three municipal officers from the North West Zone are accused of forming a cartel and providing undue relief to the owners of Palladium Mall, a plush commercial complex located on SG Highway.

Officials Allegedly Reduced Tax Bill by Crores

The controversy arose after SHG Realty LLP, the owners of Palladium Mall, submitted a revision application to the AMC’s appellate officer on September 18, 2023, seeking a reassessment of their property tax. As per reports, three officials from the property tax department of the AMC allegedly advised SHG Realty to submit the application.

The mall owners, in their objection petition, reportedly requested the appointment of an appellate officer to reassess the property tax by removing the driveway and other details from the three basement parking lots, thereby reducing their taxable area.

Alleged Collusion with Appellate Officer

The investigation suggests that the three North West Zone officers colluded with the AMC’s property tax appellate officer and reduced the carpet area of the mall by nearly 50%, significantly lowering the payable property tax. This alleged collusion resulted in substantial losses to the AMC’s exchequer, estimated to be in the range of crores of rupees.

AMC Orders Inquiry into Allegations

The alleged scam also involved creating a new login and password for SHG Realty in the AMC system to approve the manipulated property measurements. This act further raises concerns about the involvement of officials at the AMC headquarters.

Taking cognizance of these serious allegations, the AMC Municipal Commissioner has ordered a thorough inquiry into the entire incident. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the alleged scam, identify all involved individuals, and take appropriate legal action against them.

Citizens Demand Transparency and Accountability

This alleged property tax scam has sparked widespread outrage among citizens of Ahmedabad. They are demanding transparency from the AMC and urging the authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for ensuring accountability and ethical conduct within the AMC and other civic bodies.