New Baddi SP who replaced IPS officer Ilma Afroz meets Himachal CM; long leave for ‘Lady Singham’ sparks debate
- Indora Govt Girls Senior Secondary School students take out anti-drug rally under ‘Nasha-Mukt Bharat’ campaign - November 16, 2024
- Sanjauli mosque demolition case: Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner demands response on remaining floors - November 16, 2024
- HPCA seeks Mandi admn’s support to maintain Paddal ground’s pitch, says soil specially brought from Punjab - November 16, 2024
Newly appointed Baddi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Dhiman, who replaced firebrand IPS officer Ilma Afroz, also known as ‘Lady Singham’, met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the Secretariat in Shimla on Saturday (November 16, 2024) morning.
During the courtesy visit, Dhiman expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for entrusting him with the significant role of overseeing law enforcement in the industrial belt of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN).
The appointment comes after the recent exit of former Baddi SP Ilma Afroz, who went on long leave amid a widely discussed dispute with local Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary. The conflict allegedly escalated following Afroz’s crackdown on illegal sand mining, an issue prevalent in the Doon area.
In August, IPS officer Ilma Afroz reportedly issued a challan against a vehicle allegedly linked to Chaudhary’s wife, Kuldeep Kaur, for unauthorised mining activities, leading to heightened tensions. Chaudhary, however, denied any involvement in Afroz’s leave, which began on November 6.
Afroz, known for her proactive stance against illegal activities in the BBN area, had also issued fines on vehicles associated with the MLA, sparking further friction. Sources within the police department said that Afroz’s approach stirred resistance among influential figures.
The tension peaked in September when Chaudhary filed a privilege motion against IPS officer Ilma Afroz in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, alleging disrespect. Amid ongoing controversy, Afroz handed over her charge to the Assistant Superintendent of Police before returning to her hometown in Uttar Pradesh.
Incidentally, Ram Kumar himself was ousted as the Chief Parliamentary Secretary following an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on November 13, declaring his and five others MLAs appointment on the post as unconst itutional.
