LAHORE - A sessions court yesterday directed the Federal Investigation Agency to conduct inquiry against Lahore’s Sultanpura Sub-divisional Officer (SDO) Mian Zaka, lineman Muhammad Aslam and Meter Inspector Ihsan for their allegedly receiving Rs 60,000 from a consumer for a new power meter and illegal bills.
Shahbaz Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Naulakha park, filed application against Wapda officials. The petitioner stated that he complained Sub-Division Officer concerned about stoppage of his power meter. He said a lineman came , examined the meter and went back. He said when he checked the meter the other day he came to know that the meter was off but the light was on. In mid-May, the petitioner said, SDO Mian Zaka, Lineman M Aslam and others visited his home and removed his meter.
The petitioner said they also asked him to give them a blank revenue paper and a copy of the ID card. He alleged that the officials demanded him Rs 150,000 and warned him not to tell anyone about it. The next day, he said, they came to his shop and demanded Rs 60,000. He said he paid the amount in for new meter and bill while witnesses were also present there. But unfortunately, they fixed the same old meter while the new bill issued to him was of Rs 21, 170, he said.
He further said that on the next month, he was issued double bill. He alleged that the officials themselves tempered the meter, demanded money and did not solve his problem. The petitioner requested the court to order FIA to take action against the respondents.
After hearing arguments of both sides, additional district and sessions Judge Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Sial directed FIA to look into the matter, hold inquiry and take action in accordance with law.
The court disposed of the application.