The Uttar Pradesh Power Department fined Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq Rs 1.91 crore on Friday for electricity theft. This came a day after the police filed charges against him for allegedly stealing electricity at his residence in the Deepa Sarai area of Sambhal.
On Thursday, the Power Department, accompanied by heavy security, raided Barq’s home. They suspected tampering with electricity meters. The inspection found irregularities in two meters, raising concerns. They also discovered that the electricity bill for the past year showed zero consumption despite the presence of air conditioners, ceiling fans, and other appliances.
Santosh Kumar Tripathi, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), confirmed the findings. However, he refrained from commenting further until the investigation was completed. Barq’s legal representative, Advocate Kasim Jamal, explained that the house uses appliances and pays minimum charges based on the department’s assessment. He also mentioned that the house has solar panels.
The Power Department replaced the old meters, sealed them, and sent them for laboratory testing. Barq’s 200-square-yard residence initially had a 4-kilowatt meter, later deemed insufficient for consumption.
FIR Filed Against Barq’s Father
In a related development, the police filed an FIR against Barq’s father, Mamluk Ur Rehman Barq, for allegedly threatening the Power Department officials during the raid. The complaint, filed by Santosh Tripathi, included charges under Sections 352, 351(2), and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Authorities continue to investigate the case.
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