The man involved in this case is his elder brother. Three FIRs have been registered against him by the SDO Wazirpur office through the SHO of Shadman Police Station.
The first FIR was registered on 16 September 2023. After the case was registered, the man managed to secure bail and came out of jail.
However, shortly after that, a second FIR was registered on 1 October 2023. This time, the allegation involved a demand for illegal gratification (a bribe). When that demand was not fulfilled, another case was filed against him.
Apparently, the authorities assumed that he might obtain bail again and come out of jail. But the reality is different. The man is poor and cannot afford bail. He has already spent the last 25 days in jail and is still behind bars.
Despite this, a third FIR was registered on 14 October 2023 against the same individual, a person who was already inside jail at that time.
This raises a serious question:
If someone is accused of electricity theft, how can he commit electricity theft from inside a prison while he is already incarcerated? This contradiction clearly shows that something is wrong in the process.
I met the concerned officer and discussed the matter with him. However, I was not fully satisfied with the explanation I received. I raised an important point: even if someone commits electricity theft, it cannot happen without the involvement or negligence of the department’s own staff.
The department claims to have filed thousands of electricity theft cases worth billions of rupees, but why have they never included the names of their own officials who facilitate these acts?
Everyone knows that in many cases:
- Some readers manipulate meter readings.
- Some officials rewind meters or alter them.
- Some staff members help in illegal connections.
Yet, in none of the FIRs are these facilitators named.
If the person committing the theft is a criminal, then the person helping him commit the theft is also equally responsible.
Many people complain that certain officials take money for:
- Installing electricity meters
- Removing meters
- Allowing illegal electricity connections
- Ignoring electricity theft
- And later demanding money again to “settle” the case
This entire system urgently needs clear rules and regulations to prevent such exploitation.
I would like to make an appeal to the government and to all honorable courts:
The rule that bail should only be granted after the accused deposits the electricity bill amount must be reconsidered and abolished. This rule has been widely misused and has caused immense harassment to poor citizens.
In this particular matter, we have already filed a harassment petition in court. In that petition, we have demanded that the authorities prove how a man who was already in jail could possibly commit electricity theft.
The court has issued an order for comments, and the next hearing is scheduled for 31 October. On that day, we will see how the authorities justify their actions.
One more reality must be acknowledged. In cases like these, someone always benefits financially, whether it is officials, police officers, or even lawyers like us. But the person who suffers the most is always the poor man caught in the middle.
Therefore, I urge everyone: if you hold any authority or power, please do not misuse it. Justice should protect people, not exploit them.