Ilma Afroz IPS Goes On Leave Amid Rift With Doon MLA
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: In a surprising turn of events, and also what can become a headache for Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh, Baddi Superintendent of Police (SP) Ilma Afroz has taken a 15-day leave as her actions caused displeasure and dispute with a ruling party leader. The IPS officer’s tense dispute with Doon MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Ram Kumar Chaudhary has been brewing for some time. Reports quoted sources and revealed that SP Afroz vacated her official residence in Baddi, marking a notable move since her appointment in January.
The friction between SP Afroz and CPS Chaudhary reportedly escalated when Baddi police issued fines totalling approximately Rs 75,000 to vehicles linked to the CPS’s family two months prior, igniting public criticisms from the CPS. Additionally, her alleged decisions to approve gun licenses for individuals from minority communities and to support madrasa students’ education have attracted backlash from certain political figures allied with the CPS.
Despite the escalating situation, SP Afroz was initially set to attend a two-day conference at the Shimla Secretariat. However, after a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday, she left for her hometown of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, reportedly citing her mother’s illness. Speculation persists that political pressures may have influenced her decision, and there are concerns within the police ranks that she may seek deputation outside the state.
BJP spokesperson Shailendra Gupta expressed support for Afroz, stating that her recent initiatives against illegal mining and local hooliganism in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) area have attracted unwanted political pressures. He labelled her departure an unfortunate result of “cheap politics” hindering her anti-mafia efforts.
Who is Ilma Afroz IPS
Ilma Afroz’s journey to the Indian Police Service is a tale of resilience. Raised in Kundarki, a small town in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Ilma lost her father, a farmer, at the age of 14. Her mother, who challenged societal norms, focused on educating her children. Ilma completed her schooling locally before attending St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, where she studied philosophy.
Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship to Oxford University, and later, she spent time in New York, participating in voluntary services. Despite the allure of a life abroad, Ilma felt a strong call to serve her homeland and returned to India to join the civil services.
In 2017, she cleared the UPSC exam with an impressive rank of 217, joining the Indian Police Service with the Himachal Pradesh cadre. She has actively championed grassroots initiatives, founding Hope, a network supporting underprivileged children’s education in her hometown. Ilma believes in the power of education to transform lives and is driven by Gandhiji’s dream of social upliftment. Her dedication to public service is a testament to her family’s sacrifices, particularly her mother’s resilience and her younger brother’s support, which empowered her to pursue her ambitions against the odds.
