UP: Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq Fined Rs 1.91 Crore For Alleged Electricity Theft

Accusing Zia Ur Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman Barq, of electricity theft at his residence, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department has slapped a fine of Rs 1.91 crore on him.

The fine was issued by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department after it found evidence of tampering with two electricity meters at the MP's residence.

On Thursday, officials from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department visited Barq's residence to inspect meter readings and appliances like air conditioners and fans.

They found that the available electricity connection was one-eighth of the load, NDTV reported.

According to the State Electricity Department, Barq has taken a 2 kilowatt (kW) connection whereas, the load is 16.5 kW.

The new smart meters installed two days ago showed a power load of 5.5 kW.

While Barq's family members claimed the residence had 10 kW capacity solar panels and a 5 kW generator capable of handling 19 kW, the Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Department said that the solar panels at the residence were not working.

The officials also found heavy electrical appliances at the residence including over 50 LED bulbs, a deep freezer, three split ACs, 2 fridges, a coffee maker, a geyser, and a microwave oven - which were found to have an electrical load of 16,480 kW.

It was also found that the electricity bill at the MP's residence has been zero for the last six months.

An FIR was lodged against Barq under Section 135 of the Anti-Power Theft Act.

Notably, he also holds the position of Chairman of the District Electricity Committee.

The electricity department disconnected the power supply to the MP's residence.

During the probe, Mamluk Ur Rehman, Mr Barq’s father, allegedly threatened officials, prompting the registration of a separate case against him for obstructing government work.

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