“Work-From-Home” Night Guard Leaves APDCL’s Kalain Office Unguarded

Residents of Kalain have raised a serious issue concerning the night security guard at the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited’s (APDCL) Kalain Sub-divisional office. Shamar Shil, the appointed night guard and permanent employee of APDCL, has allegedly been absent from his duties since his transfer to Kalain last year. Instead, he has hired another individual, Ranu Paul, to perform his responsibilities in exchange for payment.

Locals claim that Paul, rather than staying on-site to guard the office, locks its gates by 7 PM and leaves, leaving the premises unprotected overnight. Meanwhile, Shil continues to collect his monthly salary despite residing in Silchar and never showing up for duty.

In a letter to Katigorah MLA Khalil Uddin Mazumder, locals highlighted that Shil had been transferred to Kalain in April 2023 as a punitive measure for misconduct during his previous posting in Silchar. However, they allege that Shil has continued to neglect his responsibilities at Kalain, replicating his previous behaviour.

MLA Mazumder has reportedly forwarded the complaints to Subham Das, the Kalain Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and also to the Assistant General Manager of APDCL. However, no action has been taken over a month since the issue was brought to their attention. When contacted by Barak Bulletin, SDO Subham Das declined to comment on the matter.

The residents are now demanding immediate intervention and disciplinary action against Shil for dereliction of duty, citing a lack of accountability within the department. The silence from the concerned authorities has only added to their frustration.

This case highlights a concerning lapse in oversight and a pressing need for administrative action to ensure public trust in government institutions.