LUCKNOW, Feb. 26 -- Findings from the departmental probe into delayed electricity connections in Lucknow's Amausi Zone of Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) have pointed to large-scale irregularities in processing applications, including 2,368 power connection applications found to have been dismissed without valid grounds, a day after several engineers were suspended and 24 employees were transferred following preliminary action. Sources said applicants who had sought new connections months ago were allegedly made to visit electricity offices repeatedly despite submitting registry papers, Aadhaar cards, no objection certificate (NOC) certificates and affidavits. Files reportedly remained pending beyond stipulated timelines as officials remained occupied with meetings and procedural formalities. Following complaints, a three-member inquiry committee led by superintendent engineer Yogendra Kumar Singh carried out a week-long probe. The panel examined 114 randomly selected rejected applications and found 79 suitable for immediate approval. The remaining cases required minimal additional verification. These cases were part of 8,523 applications submitted between December 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026. Of these, 2,368 were allegedly dismissed without valid grounds. The committee has expanded its review to scrutinise all applications, and further action is likely, sources said. Based on the findings, executive engineer Neeraj Kumar, sub-divisional officers Anubhav Kumar Singh, Prashant Kumar Giri and Amit Kumar, along with junior engineers Dinesh Kumar, Ravindra Kumar Singh and Dinesh Pandey, were suspended and attached to Bareilly pending proceedings. Additionally, 24 technical and office staff members were transferred out of Lucknow, and a departmental inquiry was ordered against those allegedly involved. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that problems intensified after the implementation of the vertical power management system, introduced to improve digital accountability and efficiency. However, consumers allegedly had to travel longer distances as help desks were shifted near executive engineers' offices, away from residential areas. Earlier, issues were resolved at nearby substations by junior engineers. Applicants from Nigoha and Rahimabad were allegedly sent on repeated visits instead of being granted connections. In some instances, consumers were reportedly issued cost estimates of Rs 50,755, adding to grievances. Complaints allegedly reached the office of chief engineer Mahfooz Alam, raising questions over supervision. A formal inquiry into his role is underway. Managing director Riya Kejriwal ordered the suspensions and transfers following the probe, as the utility moves to address procedural failures in the zone....