Bareilly: Police have lodged an FIR against 20 women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to rioting after they staged a protest at a substation of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) in Meerut over inflated electricity bills. The FIR was registered at the Civil Lines police station following a complaint filed by an official of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation. The case has been registered under BNS Sections 191(2) (rioting), 324(4) (causing damage to government property), 324(5) (intentional damage to property), and 221 (obstructing government work).
Background of the Protest
Residents of the Mohanpuri area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Civil Lines police station, have been opposing the installation of smart meters. They claimed that they had approached various authorities—from the local electricity office to senior officials—seeking the removal of smart meters and the reinstallation of old meters, but their pleas were ignored. Left with no alternative, residents on Monday took matters into their own hands and uprooted the smart meters installed outside their homes. They then carried the meters to the electricity office and threw them on the floor in a dramatic protest.
Police and Official Statements
SP City Vinayak Gopal Bhosle told the Times of India, “We have lodged the FIR on the basis of the complaint, and further action will be taken following a probe. If any section is found not suitable in this case, it will be removed.” Chief Superintendent Rajnikant Mishra added, “It is possible that they took this step after being instigated by someone. We will ask them to use electricity within the prescribed norms.”
BJP councillor from Ward 44, Uttam Saini, said, “Several women have sat on a dharna demanding a rollback of smart meters as well as withdrawal of the FIR.” The protest highlights growing public frustration over inflated electricity bills and the mandatory installation of smart meters, which many residents claim have led to higher charges.
Further Developments
The incident has sparked a debate on the implementation of smart meters in Uttar Pradesh. While authorities maintain that smart meters ensure accurate billing and reduce power theft, residents argue that the meters are faulty and result in exorbitant bills. The investigation is ongoing, and police have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
