A dispute has erupted over allegations of electricity theft at a beauty parlour owned by the wife of renowned singer and politician Jawad Ahmed. The singer has vehemently denied the allegations, terming the case baseless and politically motivated.
Moreover, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) filed a case and issued a detection bill of Rs1.3 million, claiming irregularities in the electricity usage at the premises.
“The FIR against me is completely false. The meter is my property; how can anyone remove it without my knowledge?” he said, challenging LESCO to produce evidence such as a medical report or video of any injured staff involved in the case.
LESCO authorities claim the detection bill covers only six months of alleged electricity theft instead of the permissible 27 months. The authorities also stated that the meter from the parlour remains missing, and further charges could be imposed if it is found.
The FIR, filed at the Nawab Town police station, has been criticised by Jawad Ahmed, who alleges it lacks legal basis and is part of a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation as a politician. "I am a politician; the matter is being deliberately exaggerated. It's not LESCO's job to make videos viral," he exclaimed.
Also Read: Jawad Ahmed accused of power theft, attacks LESCO officials
LESCO, however, has dismissed these claims, asserting that the case has been handled within legal parameters and urging consumers to seek recourse through the appropriate forums if dissatisfied.
A major electricity theft case came to light on Friday in the Airline Sub-Division of Lahore, implicating Jawad Ahmed and his wife.
LESCO’s raid revealed that a phase of the electricity meter at the beauty parlour was found to be dead, indicating tampering. During the operation, Jawad reportedly arrived at the scene in his vehicle, confronted the officials, and allegedly attacked meter readers Asghar and Shahid.
LESCO authorities claim that Jawad Ahmed not only physically assaulted the employees but also forcibly snatched the meter and fled the scene in his car.