Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party in Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq has been alleged to have committed electricity theft in Uttar Pradesh. The Electricity Department has slapped him with the fine of INR 1.91 crore to be recovered from the accused.
Notably, this action has been taken following a police case that has been filed against him last Thursday. He was accused of stealing electricity at his residence in Sambhal’s Deepa Sarai area.
The officials from the electricity department, backed with heavy police security, conducted a raid on Barq’s house amid suspicions of tampered electricity meters. In the inspection process, several irregularities were observed in two meters.
It was also observed that despite the use of air conditioners, ceiling fans, and all other electrical appliances, Barq’s electricity bill for the past year was zero power consumption.
Further, the power department also noted a significant mismatch with a sanctioned load of just 2KW shown in the meter reading, compared to an actual usage of 16,480 watts.
The sub-divisional officer, Santosh Tripathi, has filed an FIR against the MP, alleging the use of a bypassed meter for using high-electricity power appliances, like ACs and refrigerators.
Recent Developments in the Case
Earlier, the power department prepared a fine of Rs 1.25 crore against him after the district magistrate and superintendent of police inspected 49 places of illegal electricity connections, including four mosques and two madrassas.
The electricity department reportedly carried out an anti-theft campaign against the Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman in Deepa Sarai, Khaggu Sarai, Raisatta Road, and Nakhasa Tiraha. Where they found several unearthed and illegal connections.
Executive Engineer Naveen Gautam said a power theft of 130 KW has been detected during the inspection for which Rs 1.25 crore has been calculated to be recovered.
“A total of 130 kilowatts of electricity, amounting to approximately Rs 1.25 crore, were being stolen. The operation led to the identification of 49 individuals involved in the theft, and FIRs were filed against them,” he noted.
Additionally, MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq has been in the spotlight before. He was earlier accused of violence charges in Sambhal district during the protests related to the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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