FIR Filed Against Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq For Alleged Electricity Theft

An FIR has been lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department against Zia Ur Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, for alleged electricity theft.

State electricity officials visited Barq's residence this morning to inspect meter readings and assess the load of electrical appliances, including air conditioners and fans.

The inspection revealed that the electricity connection at the residence was only one-eighth of the actual load.

Following this, the electricity board cut the power connection.

For the last six months, the electricity bill of the MP's house has reportedly been zero.

The State Electricity Department reported that Barq’s residence had a 2 kW connection, while the actual load was 16.5 kW.

Smart meters installed two days ago showed a power load of 5.5 kW.

People associated with Barq's family reportedly said that the house has two 2 kW electricity meters, a 10 kW solar panel, and a 5 kW generator.

With this, Barq house can take up 19 kW electricity load.

However, V K Gupta, the Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Department said the solar panels were not working, NDTV reported.

The two-storey house was equipped with heavy electrical appliances, including over 50 LED bulbs, three split air conditioners, two refrigerators, a deep freezer, a coffee maker, a geyser, and a microwave oven. The total electrical load of these appliances was estimated at 16.48 kW.

Barq's lawyer, Advocate Qasim Jamal, said, "We are paying the minimum electricity charges. Solar is installed in the entire house. There are a total of four members in the family. All the other sisters are married, so they are not here."

According to reports, Vivek Gangal and Ajay Sharma, the officials who went to investigate the Barq house, have alleged that Mamluk ur Rehman, the MP’s father, threatened them to take action when their party's government comes to power.

An FIR has also been filed against Mamluk ur Rehman.

Also Read: BJP Mulls Police Complaint As Party MP Sarangi Injured After Alleged 'Push' From Rahul Gandhi During Parliament Protests