Member of Parliament deposits Rs 6 Lakh for immediate power restoration amid electricity theft allegations

High Court directs interim payment as Ziaur Rahman Barq seeks to clear charges and restore electricity at his residence

Sambhal: Sambhal Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament, Ziaur Rahman Barq, has deposited Rs 6 lakh with the electricity department following a directive from the High Court, paving the way for the restoration of power supply to his residence.

The controversy began on December 17, 2024, when a smart meter was installed at Barq’s home in the Deepa Sarai area of Sambhal. Two days later, on December 19, the electricity department conducted a load inspection and alleged that Barq was involved in electricity theft. The department claimed that his residence was consuming over 16 kilowatts of electricity, a figure significantly higher than the sanctioned limit.

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Additionally, a Meter Reading Instrument test reportedly showed zero consumption for several months, which led the electricity department to impose a fine of Rs 1.91 crore and file a formal case of electricity theft. Despite multiple notices from the department, Barq did not respond, prompting him to seek legal intervention.

On June 3, the High Court ordered that Barq must deposit Rs 6 lakh as an interim measure to facilitate the restoration of his electricity connection. In compliance with the court order, Barq’s advocate, Farid Ahmed, visited the powerhouse on Tuesday to submit the Rs 6 lakh demand draft. Along with the payment, an application for the immediate restoration of power supply was also submitted.

Executive Engineer Naveen Gautam confirmed the action taken, stating, “Action was taken based on a complaint of power theft at the MP’s premises. Today, a demand draft of Rs 6 lakh has been deposited as per the court’s direction. His power connection is being restored today itself.”

The matter is set to be heard in the High Court on July 2, where the legality of the imposed fine and other related issues will be examined. Barq, however, has maintained that he was not given a fair chance to present his side of the story.

This development underscores the importance of legal recourse in resolving disputes over utility services and the accountability expected from public officials.