On Thursday (19 December), a team from the State Electricity Department, escorted by security forces, inspected the residence of Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia ur Rehman Barq, as part of ongoing operations to address alleged anomalies in electricity usage in riot-affected districts of Sambhal district.
Vandana Mishra, the Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), stated that the inspection was a routine measure against electricity theft. In a statement, she stated, “This is part of our normal drive. There were indications of noncompliance with electrical connection protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs), prompting this examination.”
So great is the apprehension of violence that a horde of policemen have had to escort UP state electricity board officials just to inspect meters at Sambhal MP Ziaur Rehman Barq’s home in connection with suspicions of power theft!
What to make of these scenes? Does Barq beleive… pic.twitter.com/OJCeS2Swkf— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) December 19, 2024
The authorities have promised to conduct stringent legal action in the theft case. Meanwhile, Zia’s father threatened a team of electrical department officials who were inspecting the electricity meter at the SP MP’s residence, claiming that when they returned to power, officials would face grave repercussions. In this case, Sambhal police will file a second FIR as well.
The probe stems from complaints of probable violations of electricity usage laws at Barq’s residence, raising concerns regarding adherence to approved SOPs. The team was witnessed taking meter readings and validating the load on air conditioners, fans, and other electrical appliances.
Previously, The Muslim leaders from the SP government under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav have behaved like this. People must have remembered, how a whole police battalion was put in search of Azam Kha’s buffalo. The Muslim Bahubali leaders are the result of Muslim appeasements during the previous governments. The threat of grave repercussions given by the father of the MPs when they would return to power shows their audacity in abusing power for personal vendetta.
Do you know why there is such a heavy police deployment in Sambhal?
-To protect a VVIP? No.
-Is there a festival? No.This force is there to ensure that the electricity department can install electricity meters in a Muslim-dominated area without facing any attacks. pic.twitter.com/jU6jQ3V3U8
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) December 19, 2024
Heavy police deployment was witnessed during the inspection. Additional Superintendent of Police (North), Sambhal Shrish Chandra confirmed that the electricity department had sought police assistance. “We have provided adequate force to ensure smooth operations. The police are on-site to handle any challenges that may arise,” Chandra said.
This has become a trend in India, police can not take action or operate smoothly in Muslim-dominated areas. Otherwise, they will threaten to use violence, the opposition party will be in tears citing muslim persecution.