Himachal Pradesh IPS officer Ilma Afroz, the former Baddi SP who went on long leave after a widely discussed dispute with Doon Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary, has an inspiring background.
Hailing from a modest farmer family in Kundarki village of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, IPS officer Ilma Afroz overcame tremendous odds, including the loss of her father at the age of 14.
She was raised by her mother, who worked tirelessly to ensure Ilma and her younger brother received good education despite limited means. During her youth, Ilma often helped her mother on the family farm, even learning to drive a tractor to contribute.
Studied at Oxford University on scholarship
Ilma’s educational journey began with schooling in Moradabad, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Delhi University’s prestigious St Stephen’s College.
Her academic excellence and determination earned her a scholarship to Oxford University. There, she not only excelled in her studies but also participated in an exchange programme in Paris. Later, while interning with a voluntary service in Manhattan, New York, she was offered a high-paying job. However, her commitment to serving India led her to return and pursue a career in the Indian civil services.
As Baddi SP, ran evening school for poor kids
After securing an All-India Rank of 217 in the 2017 Civil Services Examination, Ilma joined the IPS in August 2018, choosing the Himachal Pradesh cadre. In Baddi, she gained respect for her proactive initiatives, including the establishment of an evening school for underprivileged children at her office, which grew from 20 to over 450 students.
Recently, IPS officer Ilma Afroz launched crackdown on illegal mining and in the process challaned a vehicle registered in the name of Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary’s wife. Her actions drew resistance and following a series of confrontations, Ilma went on extended leave.
