A team from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department, along with a large number of security personnel, arrived at the residence of Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP, Zia ur Rehman Barq, on Thursday to inspect allegations of irregularities in electricity usage. Barq is the prime accused in the recent violence over a mosque survey in Sambhal, which killed four. After inspection, the electricity department has filed an FIR against the Samajwadi Party MP over the irregularities. The case has been registered under section 135 of the anti-power theft act.
According to officials, evidence of tampering was found in two electricity meters at the MP's house.
The electricity department had earlier removed old meters from the MP's house, sealed them, and sent them to a lab for testing. The annual electricity bill for the MP's house showed zero consumption, according to officials.
Today's inspection aimed to check the readings of the new meters installed and assess the load of air conditioners, fans, and other electrical equipment.
"Electrical load is being counted. Some of the rooms on first and second floors are locked," the Sub Divisional Officer in Sambhal, Santosh Tripathi, said.
On the heavy police deployment, senior police officer Shrish Chandra said that they arrived after the Electricity Department sought police presence. "They have been provided adequate force so that they can do their work smoothly. The police force is here and will ensure smooth operations. We are ready to handle any situation," the officer said.
On November 24, massive violence erupted in Sambhal after a group opposed a court-ordered survey of a mosque. The clashes led to the deaths of four people. The survey was based on a petition claiming that a temple had been destroyed for building the mosque by the Mughals.
The Uttar Pradesh Police accused Barq of orchestrating the violence for political gains and claimed it was his speeches that incited the mob, a charge the MP and his party strongly opposed. They alleged that it was the BJP behind the violence.
On Wednesday, December 18, Barq filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking a stay on his arrest in connection with an FIR lodged against him regarding the Sambhal violence. He has also sought the quashing of the FIR registered against him.
Source: India Today