NAGPUR: After five years, the state government has given tentative approval to the
Nagpur Municipal Corporation (
NMC) to conduct a departmental inquiry against retired chief fire officer
Sunil Meshram, currently
fire officer with
Mihan (Multi-modal
International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur ). There were allegations against him for issuing fire NOCs and compliance certificates to 1,400 buildings going out of norms.
The state’s urban development department (UDD) issued a notification on October 19 in this regard.
The UDD tentatively set aside the resolution of the NMC general body passed on February 3, 2010, denying permission for a departmental inquiry against Meshram. The civic chief and NMC have one month to lodge any objections. “Further action will be taken in case no objections are received within the stipulated period,” the notification said.
The civic chief wanted to conduct a departmental inquiry against
Meshram, who retired on March 31, 2008. The general body has to approve departmental inquiries against retired officials. After denial by the general body, the civic chief sent a letter to the UDD on March 24, 2011, seeking to set aside the resolution. The decision was pending with the UDD for the last five years. The civic chief sent a reminder to the UDD on August 16 this year following which a decision was taken on October 19.
Meshram served as chief fire officer for 11 years and was allegedly suspended thrice.
“I retired eight years ago. According to UDD norms, a departmental inquiry can be initiated within five years of retirement. I did not receive any notice in these eight years,” Meshram said.