The Bareilly cleric power theft case has intensified as five close aides of Maulana Tauqeer Raza were issued recovery notices exceeding ₹1.25 crore for allegedly stealing electricity at illegal e-charging stations. Officials confirmed that the accused operated multiple centers in Baan Khana on stolen power.
This is not the first incident involving these individuals. Around a year ago, a similar raid uncovered four illegal units run by the same group, who were fined at the time. Following fresh investigations, recovery certificates (RCs) worth over ₹1.25 crore have now been issued against the five aides, all reportedly close to the Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief.
Chief Engineer Gyan Prakash explained that RCs are being issued against defaulters who failed to pay penalties for power theft. “In the first phase, RCs were issued to those owing fines above ₹10 lakh, including Wasim Khan – ₹15.39 lakh, Monish Khan – ₹22.29 lakh, Barkaan Raza Khan – ₹37.32 lakh, Aman Raza Khan – ₹26.92 lakh, and Ghulam Navi – ₹26.57 lakh,” he said.
Authorities are also investigating potential complicity of power department staff. “Action will be taken against any official found involved,” added Prakash. Bareilly Additional District Magistrate Santosh Kumar Singh assured strict recovery proceedings once RCs are received.
In a related development, the Bareilly Development Authority demolished the illegally built banquet hall “Raza Palace” owned by another aide, Nafees, on Waqf land. The two-day demolition was conducted under tight security.
These actions follow the September 6 clashes over “I Love Muhammad” posters, which led to over 70 arrests, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, his aides, and relatives. Authorities have registered 10 FIRs so far and continue strict recovery measures in connection with the Bareilly cleric power theft case.
