A team from the electricity department, accompanied by heavy security, arrived at the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq on Wednesday. The team conducted a detailed inspection, including meter readings and checking the load on air conditioners, fans, and other electrical appliances, amid allegations of irregularities in electricity connections at the MP’s premises.
Allegations of Irregularities
The electricity department has raised serious concerns about discrepancies in the MP’s electricity usage. According to an official, two separate connections of 2 kilowatts each exist at Barq’s residence. One is registered under Ziaur Rahman Barq himself, while the other remains in the name of his late grandfather, Shafiq-ur-Rahman Barq. Despite his grandfather’s passing, no amendments were made to the second connection, prompting the department to seal it.
#WATCH | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: A team from State Electricity Department, along with a large number of security personnel, arrives at the residence of SP MP Zia ur Rehman Barq in Sambhal. The State Electricity Department has flagged irregularities in electricity usage at the… pic.twitter.com/Y8eLXbXf1M
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024
Over the past six months, Barq’s electricity meter has recorded zero consumption, with the exception of June when it showed a mere 13 units. Superintendent Engineer B.K. Gupta confirmed that the standard meters at Barq’s house had been replaced with electronic meters to ensure accurate readings.
“There were three meters at the MP’s residence, all of which have now been sealed,” Gupta stated. He also alleged that previous inspections in the area were met with resistance and that electricity theft via illegal connections was rampant in many households.
A Broader Crackdown on Electricity Theft
This inspection forms part of a larger campaign by the electricity department to curb electricity theft in Sambhal district. Over the last three months, 1,250 FIRs have been lodged against individuals for electricity theft, resulting in fines totaling Rs 5.2 crore.
In Sambhal’s Deepasray area alone, FIRs have been registered against 200 consumers, with outstanding electricity dues in the region amounting to Rs 101 crore. Notably, in the last two days, 90 FIRs have been filed, including some against mosques.
Security Deployment and Police Assistance
Given the high-profile nature of the inspection, a significant security force was deployed outside Barq’s residence. Sambhal’s Additional SP Shirish Chandra stated that police assistance was provided at the request of the electricity department.
“The team is conducting a thorough investigation, and adequate police force has been deployed to ensure no untoward incidents occur,” Chandra said.
Political and Legal Troubles for Ziaur Rahman Barq
Ziaur Rahman Barq has been in the spotlight recently for reasons beyond electricity irregularities. Following communal riots in Sambhal, he was booked for allegedly delivering provocative speeches. Barq has approached the High Court seeking relief in the matter, but a resolution is yet to be reached.
The MP’s legal troubles and the electricity connection scrutiny have further intensified political tensions in the region. Critics argue that these developments highlight systemic issues in electricity theft and compliance, while others view the timing of the scrutiny as politically motivated.
Electricity Department’s Statement
Officials have clarified that the inspections are part of a district-wide campaign against electricity theft. Sambhal’s SDM noted that prior inputs indicated lapses in following legal procedures for electricity connections in several areas.
An electricity department official reiterated the department’s commitment to addressing discrepancies. “We are ensuring that all irregularities are dealt with in accordance with the law,” the official said.
