SP’s Sambhal MP fined Rs 1.91 crore, electricity cut-off at residence for power theft

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The Electricity Department has fined Zia Ur Rehman, the Lok Sabha MP from Sambhal, ₹1.91 crore for alleged electricity theft at his residence and disconnected the power supply, an official stated on Friday.

The action comes after a police case was registered on Thursday against the Samajwadi Party MP under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for power theft.

The MP’s father, Mamlukur Rehman Barq, was also booked for allegedly threatening officials during an inspection at their residence in the Deepa Sarai area, officials said.

“An ongoing electricity inspection drive in Sambhal has resulted in a ₹1.91 crore fine on the MP, and his residence’s power supply has been disconnected,” Sambhal Superintending Engineer Vinod Kumar told PTI.

According to the Electricity Department’s FIR, an inspection team discovered electricity theft by bypassing the meter, confirming illegal power usage. The inspection took place on Thursday morning under heavy security at the MP’s residence.

Zia Ur Rehman was previously booked in connection with the November 24 clash during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi, where four locals died.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi stated that at 7:30 am on Thursday, Santosh Tripathi from the electricity department was assigned to inspect power equipment in the Deepa Sarai area.

During the inspection at the MP’s residence, Mamlukur Rehman Barq allegedly abused engineers V.K. Gangal and Ajay Kumar Sharma and obstructed their work, Bishnoi said.

Barq reportedly told the engineers, “The government will change, and we will ruin you.” The incident was video-recorded by the Electricity Department.

“A case has been filed at Nakhasa police station against Barq and two others, Wasim and Salman, under applicable legal provisions,” Bishnoi added.

Vinod Kumar reported that the MP’s house had two connections, each of two kilowatts—one in Zia Ur Rehman’s name and another in his late grandfather’s name.

Two days earlier, smart meters had been installed at the MP’s residence. However, in the past six months, the meters recorded zero electricity consumption, a power department official said.

When the premises were inspected on Thursday, a load of 16.48 kilowatts was found. Subsequent lab testing revealed tampering with both meters, confirmed through MRI testing.

During the inspection, engineers Ajay Sharma and V.K. Gangal reported being threatened by the MP’s father. A complaint has been lodged with the police regarding the incident, the official added.

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