Illegal Structures at Samajwadi Party MP’s Residence Demolished Amid Power Theft Allegations

Lucknow: In a crackdown on encroachments and illegal activities, the district administration on Friday demolished two illegally constructed staircases at the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq in Sambhal. The action follows allegations of electricity theft and the MP’s involvement in a recent violent clash during a court-ordered survey.

The razing of the staircases, located in the Deep Sarai area, was part of an anti-encroachment drive, officials said. The development adds to the woes of the Lok Sabha member, who is facing a fine of ₹1.91 crore and has had his electricity supply disconnected for allegedly bypassing the meter at his residence to consume 16.48 kilowatts of electricity instead of the authorized two kilowatts.

A case was filed against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for power theft. Additionally, the MP’s father, Mamluqur Rahman, along with two others—Wasim and Salman—has been booked for allegedly threatening and obstructing government officials during their duties.

Officials from the power department, Ajay Sharma and VK Gangwal, lodged a police complaint alleging that Mamluqur Rahman issued threats of retaliation if the Samajwadi Party returned to power in Uttar Pradesh.

"Illegal Construction Verified"

“During the power theft survey on Thursday, district administration officials identified an illegal structure at the MP’s residence. After verification with the relevant authorities, two unlawfully constructed staircases were demolished on Friday,” a senior district official stated. The administration clarified that no other structures were affected.

The complaint by Santosh Tripathi, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the electricity department, detailed the bypassing of the electricity meter at the MP’s residence. “Upon inspection, it was evident that unauthorized consumption of electricity was taking place,” the FIR noted.

The incident comes in the wake of the November 24 violence in the Kot Garvi area, where clashes during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. The MP has been booked in connection with the violence, adding to the ongoing scrutiny.

Since December 13, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has intensified its campaign against power theft and encroachments in Deep Sarai, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood. Over 200 cases of electricity theft have been registered, leading to penalties exceeding ₹2 crore, officials confirmed.

As investigations continue, the administration's firm stance underscores its commitment to addressing illegal activities and maintaining order in the region.