The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department, along with local police, has demolished “illegal encroachments” in Sambhal, targeting properties “involved in electricity theft.” Santosh Tripathi, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), stated that the action was part of efforts to remove illegal structures, including some where electricity poles had been placed inside houses.
“A few encroachments were such that the electricity pole was inside the house,” Tripathi told ANI. “There are also instances where people were stealing electricity, with no legal connection or proper meter. We’re removing the older mechanical meters that were still in place.”
Tripathi added that mechanical meters, which were discontinued around 15 years ago, had been used “illegally” in some homes. “There were orders 15 years ago that mechanical meters would no longer be installed. Any remaining ones are being taken out,” he said.
While inspecting the site, Tripathi said that about 2-3 houses were involved in stealing electricity, but an investigation would reveal the total number.
The operation in Sambhal comes amid ongoing tensions following the violence that erupted in the region on November 24. The violence, triggered during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque, resulted in four fatalities and several injuries among both locals and police personnel.
In response to the violence, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited the victims’ families. The party condemned the violence, linking it to the impact of the BJP’s politics. “The incident in Sambhal reflects the ill-effects of BJP’s hate politics, which is harmful to a peaceful society,” Congress said on X. “We stand with the victims and will fight for justice.”
