Sambhal MP Zia ur Rahman Booked for Power Theft After Zero Electricity Bill for Six Months
Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – Zia ur Rahman, the Samajwadi Party (SP) Member of Parliament (MP) from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has been booked for alleged power theft after a probe into his household’s electricity consumption revealed a discrepancy. The issue came to light on Thursday when a team from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department inspected his residence and found that one of the two electricity meters installed at his property showed zero consumption for six months, despite the meter being functional.
The incident has sparked widespread attention, with opposition parties and social media users expressing outrage over the apparent misuse of public resources. The registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the MP came shortly after the inspection, raising questions about possible political favoritism and corruption.
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into Zia ur Rahman’s power usage began when local electricity officials noticed an unusual pattern in the billing records of his residence. According to sources, the second electricity meter installed at the property had consistently shown zero power consumption for a six-month period, raising suspicion of possible tampering or theft.
On Thursday morning, a team of state electricity department officials conducted a thorough inspection of the residence, which included checking both meters and the overall electrical system at the property. The results were troubling for the MP, as the team confirmed that the meter in question was operational but displayed no power usage.
Following this investigation, the officials filed a report, leading to the registration of an FIR against Zia ur Rahman under charges of power theft. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
Zia ur Rahman Denies Allegations
In response to the charges, Zia ur Rahman vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that there had been no wrongdoing on his part. He argued that any discrepancies in the power consumption records were likely due to technical errors or faults with the electricity meters. In a statement to the media, the MP said, “I have always paid my electricity bills on time, and I believe this is a baseless accusation. There is no question of any power theft from my residence.”
Rahman further added that he would cooperate fully with the authorities to clear his name and resolve the matter. His supporters have also rallied behind him, calling the FIR politically motivated.
However, local residents and political opponents are skeptical of his claims, with many expressing disbelief at the zero power consumption over an extended period, particularly for a prominent political figure.
Political Fallout and Public Outrage
The booking of Zia ur Rahman for power theft has triggered a wave of political debate across Uttar Pradesh. Opposition leaders have seized the opportunity to criticize the MP for his alleged misuse of public services, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded that Rahman resign if found guilty of the charges.
State BJP spokespersons have called the incident “shocking” and “indicative of the corrupt practices plaguing the Samajwadi Party.” They have also pointed out the irony of an elected representative from a party that claims to be for the welfare of the common people allegedly committing such a crime.
On the other hand, Samajwadi Party leaders have come to the defense of Zia ur Rahman, accusing the BJP of targeting him for political gain. They claim that the investigation is part of an effort to discredit the opposition ahead of future elections.
Public sentiment, especially on social media, has been divided. While some condemn the alleged theft as an example of abuse of power, others remain skeptical of the motives behind the FIR, considering Rahman’s political standing and his position within the Samajwadi Party.
The Bigger Picture: Electricity Theft in Uttar Pradesh
This incident is not the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, where power theft remains a significant issue. The state has long struggled with power shortages and irregularities in electricity consumption, with many cases of large-scale electricity theft reported every year. It is not uncommon for powerful individuals to manipulate meters or bypass payment systems to avoid hefty bills.
In recent months, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department has ramped up efforts to crack down on electricity theft, especially among public figures and high-profile individuals. With an increased number of inspections and audits, authorities are aiming to curb the rampant misuse of power and hold those responsible accountable.
The Zia ur Rahman case may serve as a wake-up call to other political figures and high-profile individuals in the state, urging them to be more transparent and accountable for their electricity consumption.
Next Steps: Investigation and Legal Proceedings
As the investigation progresses, the authorities will continue to examine the power usage records of Zia ur Rahman’s residence. If the allegations are proven to be true, the MP could face legal consequences, including fines and possible imprisonment. The case will likely have political ramifications, especially with the state elections on the horizon.
For now, the people of Uttar Pradesh and political observers are waiting to see how the case unfolds and whether justice will prevail in this high-profile power theft scandal.