06 October,2025 11:28 AM IST | Bareilly | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic
In a significant action against electricity theft, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department has initiated a recovery process amounting to over Rs1.28 crore. In view of getting hold of the accused, who are said to be close aides and relatives of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the state electricity board has been vigilant.
As reported by news agency ANI, Chief Engineer of the Electricity Transmission Division, Gyan Prakash, confirmed that several individuals in Bareilly were booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for directly stealing power through illegal connections.
Chief Engineer Gyan Prakash stated that, "...On the 30th, I got information about it... We caught seven people in the raid... We have caught a theft of 77 kilowatts (of electricity). An FIR has been registered under the Electricity Act, 2003, and a fine of Rs. 11,200,000 has been imposed. Whoever commits the theft will face strict action... I appeal to all those who were caught to pay the fine; otherwise, they will be required to pay the fine through recovery. If they don't, legal proceedings will be done..." as cited by news agency ANI.
As per the statements released by the electricity department, the individuals accused of electricity theft have not yet deposited the assessed amount. Notices (R.C.) have been issued against them under Section 5 of the U.P. Public Demands Recovery Act, 1958. However, the recovery of the amount from them is expected to be over R 1 crore 28 lakh.
Here is the detailed information about the recovery certificates that have been issued against the accused:
As reported by the news agency, sources say that all the accused against whom the recovery has been issued are close associates and relatives of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.
Meanwhile, Maulana Tauqeer's relative Mohammad Raza has also been fined crores in a separate case related to an illegal charging station.
The Electricity Department further stated that strict recovery proceedings will be undertaken as part of efforts to boost revenue.
Earlier on Sunday, the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) sealed Mohd Farhat Khan's apartment and Mohd Nadeem's stores at Noumahla Masjid as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal buildings linked to recent incidents in the city.
Both individuals are accused of inciting the violence on September 26 in Bareilly over the 'I Love Muhammad' poster row. They are believed to be close associates of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) head Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, who has been recognised as a significant actor in the turmoil.
(With inputs from ANI)
