In a dramatic turn of events steps leading to the house of Sambhal MP and Samajwadi Party leader Zia Ur Rehman Barq was bulldozed off as part of an Anti encroachment drive in Deepa Sarai area. As the steps were allegedly constructed on occupied land.
The Anti encroachment drive in Sambhal, Uttar pradesh started a campaign initiated by the state government to remove illegal construction and encroachment on public land. It’s aimed at freeing space, improving infrastructure etc. It is a 15 day campaign to clear encroachments from public drains in the district. It gained attention when a video of bulldozer demolition went viral.
Additionally, the MP has also been accused of electricity theft . According to Sambhal superintend engineer Vinod Kumar, MP was fined with Rs. 1.91 crore and disconnection of power at his residence.
Rehman is being charged under section 135 of the electricity act 2003, for electricity theft and his father, Mamluk Ur Rehman Barq is also being charged for allegedly threatening officials during an inspection at their residence in Deepa Sarai of Sambhal district.
The electricity department found in a inspection that electricity was being stolen by bypassing meter, confirmed illegal use. The inspection took place on Thursday morning under heavy security led by electricity department official santosh tripathi, he was tasked with checking power equipment in Deepa Sarai .
During inspection Barq abused engineers V.K Gangal and Ajay Kumar Sharma and tried to obstruct their work. Police superintendent Bishnoi recorded a video of Barq saying “the dispensation will change and we will ruin you”.
Engineer Vinod Kumar further informed that MPs house had two electricity connection with on his name and one under his late grandfather’s name.
He also said that the meter installed at their house showed 0 unit consumption in past six months while the actual consumption was 16.48 kilowatt which meant the meters have been tampered with.
It’s worth noting that the MP is also facing charges in connection with the November 24 violence in Sambhal, in which four locals died in a clash with security personnel during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid.
