- विज्ञापन -
Sambhal: The Uttar Pradesh Power Department has imposed a fine of Rs 1.91 crore on Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq due to allegations of electricity theft. This move follows the booking of the MP by Uttar Pradesh Police for purportedly stealing electricity at his home in the Deepa Sarai area of Sambhal.
The Power Department, supported by heavy security, conducted a raid at Barq’s residence on Thursday after detecting potential tampering with the electricity meters. During this inspection, officials found irregularities in two meters, which prompted concerns as the yearly electricity bill showed zero consumption, despite the presence of multiple electrical appliances such as air conditioners and ceiling fans.
Santosh Kumar Tripathi, the Sub-Divisional Officer of the Power Department, confirmed these findings but stated that he could not comment further until the investigation is complete. Barq’s legal representative, Advocate Kasim Jamal, mentioned that the household has various appliances and pays the minimum charges based on the department’s structure, noting the presence of solar panels as well.
In light of these discoveries, the police have filed a case against Barq. The Power Department has also replaced the old meters at his residence, sealing them for laboratory analysis. Originally installed with a 4-kilowatt meter, the residence is now recognized as needing a higher capacity.
Additionally, an FIR has been registered against Barq’s father, Mamluk Ur Rehman Barq, at Nakhasa police station for allegedly threatening Power Department officials during the inspection. The complaint was made by Santosh Tripathi under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
