The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has directed 17 entities to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices in connection with electrification tenders issued by Assam Police Housing Corporation Limited.

The order, issued under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, found that the parties—including Purbanchal Enterprise and others—were involved in bid-rigging related to “internal and external electrification works” for police station buildings across Assam.

The case originated from a complaint filed by the Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, which alleged manipulation in tender processes under a state government scheme aimed at improving police infrastructure.

Following an investigation, the CCI concluded that the firms engaged in practices such as bid rotation and cover bidding to distort competition and influence tender outcomes.

The findings were supported by evidence including identical errors in bid documents, shared IP addresses, call data records, and demand drafts with consecutive numbers, indicating collusion among bidders.

Accordingly, the Commission has directed the involved parties and their proprietors to immediately stop such practices, holding them in violation of provisions related to anti-competitive agreements under the Competition Act.