MANDI: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar has voiced concern over the abrupt and mysterious departure of Baddi SP Ilma Afroz.
A former Union Minister as well, Shanta Kumar noted that late-night exit of IPS officer Ilma Afroz from Baddi, following her return from Shimla, has sparked widespread speculation.
According to reports, Ilma Afroz was in Shimla to attend a meeting of DCs and SPs, and after returning to Baddi she only packed her belongings and left for her hometown in Uttar Pradesh. This sequence of events, Shanta Kumar said, raised critical questions that needed answers.
Says transparency needed from government
Shanta Kumar called on the government to disclose the full details behind IPS officer Ilma Afroz’s sudden removal. “If there has been any misconduct on her part that warranted this action, the government must inform the public transparently. However, if her honest and courageous actions upset powerful individuals, leading to her removal, it is a deeply concerning issue that cannot be ignored,” he said.
Highlighting the prevalence of illegal activities like unauthorised mining, the former CM alleged that such operations were often backed by influential figures, including political leaders. He pointed out that reports had surfaced indicating dissatisfaction among certain local leaders due to Ilma Afroz’s uncompromising stance against corruption, which might have led to her abrupt transfer.
Shanta Kumar emphasised the sterling reputation of Himachal Pradesh’s administrative officials and employees as among the best in the country. “Such an enigma surrounding a female officer tarnishes this reputation and must not be allowed to persist,” he remarked.
Shanta Kumar appealed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and shed light on the matter. He urged the government to honour and support officers like Ilma Afroz if they had taken bold and honest actions in the line of duty. “If she has displayed courage and integrity, the state government must show the resolve to recognise and reward her contributions,” he stated.
