Uttar Pradesh Power Authority Levies Substantial Penalty on SP's Sambhal MP for Electricity Theft Allegations
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Sambhal, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh Power Authority has imposed a fine of Rs 1.91 crore on Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq following allegations of electricity theft.
This decision was made shortly after the Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case against the SP MP for purportedly stealing electricity at his residence located in the Deepa Sarai area of Sambhal.
On Thursday, the Power Authority, supported by a heavy security presence, conducted a raid at Barq's home due to suspicions regarding the tampering of electricity meters. This inspection uncovered significant irregularities in two electricity meters, raising major concerns.
During the operation, it was found that the electricity bill for the previous year indicated zero consumption, despite the presence of air conditioners, ceiling fans, and other electronic devices.
Santosh Kumar Tripathi, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the department, validated these findings but chose not to comment further until a comprehensive investigation is completed.
In the meantime, Barq's attorney, Advocate Kasim Jamal, stated that the household is equipped with air conditioners, ceiling fans, lights, and a refrigerator, and they pay minimum charges according to the department's assessment. He also noted that the house is fitted with solar panels.
Officials were alarmed to discover that the electricity usage for the past year was logged as zero, which intensified suspicions. Consequently, the police filed a case against the MP based on these findings.
Moreover, the electricity department replaced the old meters at Barq's residence, sealing them and sending them for laboratory testing.
The residence, which occupies 200 square yards, was originally supplied with a 4-kilowatt meter, later deemed inadequate for its consumption needs.
An FIR has also been filed against Mamluk Ur Rehman Barq, the father of the SP MP, at the Nakhasa police station. He is accused of threatening Power Department officials during the inspection.
The complaint was lodged by Santosh Tripathi under Sections 352, 351(2), and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
