The CEO of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has released an image of the man suspected to be targeting hawkers and street vendors in a fake fee scam.
A fortnight ago, on June 10, the CEO informed that an FIR had been filed with police concerning a fraudster who was allegedly collecting fees from hawkers in the name of the SMB with fake receipts bearing the name and logo of the board on the pretext of registering the hawkers and vendors.
A photo of one of the receipts was also shared with the press today. It was signed in the name of the SMB Secretary and stated that the hawker (who paid Rs 250) was surveyed by one DN Lyngdoh, though that name could be an alias.
Through the CEO’s office, the Town Vending Committee (TVC) was conducting registration of hawkers and street vendors as per provisions of the Meghalaya Street Vending (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme 2023. There is, however, no registration fee associated with this exercise charged by the SMB or TVC.
