The UP government’s ongoing anti-encroachment drive took a contentious step forward on Friday, as the steps leading into the house of Sambhal MP and Samajwadi Party leader Zia Ur Rehman Barq were demolished. 

This move, part of a broader campaign to remove encroachments from public spaces, particularly in the Deep Sari area, has garnered significant attention. A video showing the demolition by bulldozer quickly went viral, fueling widespread debate.

Officials have clarified that the demolition is part of a larger, 15-day operation aimed at clearing encroachments from public drains across the district, according to a PTI report.

However, the controversy surrounding Barq did not end there. Earlier on Friday, the UP electricity department slapped a massive fine of Rs 1.91 crore on the Sambhal MP, accusing him of electricity theft. As part of the crackdown, power supply to his residence was cut off after an inspection revealed evidence of illegal power usage.

“Sambhal is currently undergoing an electricity inspection drive. The MP has been fined Rs 1.91 crore for electricity theft and his power supply has been disconnected,” stated Vinod Kumar, Superintending Engineer of the Sambhal Electricity Department, to PTI.

This fine comes in connection with a police case filed against Rehman on Thursday under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which deals with power theft. The case alleges that Barq and his family were involved in bypassing the electricity meter to steal power.

Compounding the situation, Rehman’s father, Mamlukur Rehman Barq, was also booked for allegedly threatening officials during the inspection at their Deepa Sarai residence. The inspection, conducted under tight security, saw officials from the Electricity Department file a formal complaint after the incident.

Additionally, Zia Ur Rehman Barq is facing charges in connection with the tragic violence that occurred on November 24 in Sambhal. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of four locals, took place during a clash with security forces amid a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid.

With inputs from PTI