SHILLONG: In a decisive crackdown on corporate malpractice, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has initiated blacklisting proceedings against North East Security Service (NEES), an Assam-based private security agency, for allegedly securing a high-profile security contract at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sohra through fraudulent means.
Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh on Wednesday expressed “extreme outrage”, terming the incident a blatant violation of KHADC laws and an attempt to undermine the Council’s regulatory authority.
The controversy erupted after it was found that NEES had allegedly misused a project-specific KHADC Trading Licence issued for Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Laitkor to bid for and secure the security services contract at NIT Sohra.
Under KHADC regulations, a Trading Licence is strictly location- and project-specific and cannot be reused for multiple sites. However, NEES allegedly uploaded misleading documents by using the KV Laitkor Trading Licence to apply for the NIT Sohra tender, misrepresented compliance by submitting the KV Laitkor licence on the NIT online portal and bypassed KHADC norms, falsely projecting itself as legally authorised to operate at NIT Sohra
“This is a clear-cut case of fraud. The agency deliberately misled the NIT authorities to circumvent KHADC laws,” CEM Lyngdoh stated.
Taking a firm stand, the KHADC has announced a zero-tolerance policy against such violations and initiated the following actions:
-
Formal communication to the Director of NIT Sohra demanding immediate cancellation of NEES’ work order
-
Permanent blacklisting of NEES from applying for any Trading Licences within KHADC jurisdiction
-
Cancellation of the original Trading Licence issued for KV Laitkor, effectively barring the agency from operating in the region
“No licence, no business,” Lyngdoh asserted, making it clear that KHADC will not compromise on regulatory enforcement.
The alleged fraud came to light following an on-site inspection by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), South East Sohra Circle, acting on complaints from local security personnel deployed at NIT Sohra.
According to HNYF members, workers accused NEES of extorting money, allegedly forcing them to make illegal payments in order to retain their jobs.
“If we allow such agencies to get away with these acts, they will only grow bolder,” CEM Lyngdoh warned.
“The KHADC will not tolerate illegal practices that erode the Council’s authority and exploit local workers.”
