SAMBHAL, UTTAR PRADESH — In a significant development on December 19, 2024, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ziaur Rahman Barq from Sambhal has come under scrutiny for alleged electricity theft. The Uttar Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against Barq for irregularities detected during an investigation by the state’s electricity department at his residence.
The controversy erupted when officials from the electricity department, accompanied by a heavy deployment of security forces including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police, visited Barq’s house in Deepa Sarai, Sambhal. The inspection revealed that the meters installed at his residence were tampered with, suggesting a consumption far less than what was actually used, leading to charges under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which deals with theft of electricity.
The situation was tense, with reports indicating that Barq’s father, Mamlukur Rehman Barq, allegedly used abusive language and threatened the officials, adding another layer to the unfolding drama. This event follows closely on the heels of Barq being implicated in the Sambhal violence that occurred on November 24, where he was accused of inciting unrest during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in four deaths.
Barq has moved the Allahabad High Court seeking protection from arrest, arguing that the charges against him are politically motivated and that he was not in Sambhal at the time of the mosque violence. He has also sought to quash the FIR related to the Sambhal incident, claiming his statements were misconstrued.
The heavy security presence during the electricity department’s visit has sparked discussions about the area’s governance and the influence of political figures like Barq. Critics argue that such a deployment indicates a zone previously considered a ‘no-police’ area, highlighting potential issues with law enforcement and political accountability in the region.
As the legal proceedings continue, this case raises questions about the integrity and accountability of elected officials, especially when they face allegations of criminal behavior. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for Barq’s political career and the broader political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
The Samajwadi Party has yet to officially comment on these developments, but the situation is closely watched by political observers and constituents alike, who are keen to see how justice and political accountability will play out in this high-profile case.
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