PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 10 -- A suspected irregularity involving the replacement of smart meters with previously used electricity meters has come to light in the Rambagh division of Prayagraj, prompting the electricity department to launch an investigation into the role of its employees. The discrepancy was detected recently in the Alopibagh area during an inspection following suspicion of power theft. After a reused meter was found at one consumer's premises, the department examined other suspicious connections and found previously used meters installed at five more houses, said officials. The matter has raised questions over the procedure followed for replacing electricity meters and the possible involvement of department employees. An initial inquiry by junior engineer (meter) Deepak Singh found that certificates related to the sealing of the reused meters installed at consumers' premises were not available. The sealing certificates for old meters removed from consumers' houses and deposited in the department's store were also pending. Following the initial inquiry, a report was submitted to the sub-divisional officer (SDO) and the executive engineer (meter), who initiated further investigation. The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of superintending engineer KK Saraswat, who constituted a team to probe the alleged irregularities. Saraswat said the matter had come to his notice and a team had been formed to investigate it....