Guwahati, April 10: The Competition Commission of India has directed 17 firms to immediately cease and desist from engaging in anti-competitive activities linked to electrification tenders issued by the Assam Police for police station buildings across the state.
The regulatory authority found that the companies, including MS Purbanchal Enterprize and others, had colluded in the bidding process for both internal and external electrification works carried out under the Mission of Overall Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image Scheme, a key initiative of the Assam government aimed at upgrading police infrastructure.
The case originated from a complaint lodged in August 2020 by the Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, which flagged suspected irregularities in tenders floated by the Assam Police Housing Corporation Ltd.. Acting on the complaint, the CCI launched a detailed investigation that uncovered clear evidence of bid-rigging among all 17 firms involved.
According to the findings, the companies had coordinated their bids and manipulated the tendering process to suppress genuine competition. The investigation relied on substantial documentary proof, including identical errors in bid documents, shared IP addresses, call detail records, and demand drafts bearing consecutive serial numbers, all pointing to a concerted effort to influence the outcome of the tenders.
In its order, the CCI held the firms and their proprietors accountable for violating provisions of competition law and instructed them to refrain from such practices with immediate effect. The entities have been found liable under relevant sections of the Competition Act, with penalties and further proceedings applicable under Section 48.
The order highlights the watchdog’s ongoing vigilance over public procurement systems and reinforces its commitment to tackling cartelisation while ensuring transparency and fair competition in government contracts.
