Nalagarh (S Gopal Puri)
In a move that reignited debates surrounding governance and law enforcement in Himachal Pradesh, 36-year-old Sucha Ram, a ward member from Bhogpur in Nalagarh, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The PIL challenged the forced leave of IPS officer Ilma Afroz, who had gained public trust through her efforts in combating illegal mining and drug trafficking in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region.
Speaking to The Newz Radar (TNR), Sucha Ram, who also owns a transport business, stated that his decision to approach the court was motivated by the overwhelming sentiments of the local community. “This issue has troubled not just me, but many others in the district. I was compelled to take this step because people had lost faith in the system,” he remarked.
Support from Activists and Organizations
Sucha Ram did not fight this battle alone. The Handoor Paryavaran Mitra Sanstha, an organization led by environmental activist ML Sharma, extended its full support to him. The group has been actively campaigning against illegal mining mafias since April 2023 and had filed a PIL in November 2023 addressing the issue.
Sharma emphasized the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining in the region, claiming that 70% of local water sources had been compromised. “We went to court because we had lost trust in the administration. But it was Ilma Afroz who re-established our faith in the system. She was the first officer to actively enforce National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders,” Sharma said.
Rajinder Kumar, the Pradhan of Panjhera, also praised Afroz’s work. “She brought a sense of safety and justice to the people. Her removal is a significant setback for the district,” he told TNR.
Petition Reveals Grim Reality of BBN Before Afroz’s Tenure
The petition filed by Sucha Ram painted a disturbing picture of the BBN region before Afroz’s appointment. It alleged that illegal mining and drug trafficking were rampant, with police officers complicit in the operations of criminal mafias. According to the petition, 43 illegal crusher units operated along the Punjab-Haryana border, with powerful politicians and influential figures allegedly backing the mafias.
The illegal mining activities, the petition claimed, violated multiple laws, including those enforced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), severely damaging the environment and undermining governance in the region.
Aggressive Crackdown on Illegal Activities, Says Petition
During her tenure as SP of Baddi, Afroz reportedly spearheaded an aggressive crackdown on illegal activities, restoring law and order in the region. However, her actions reportedly triggered backlash from the mafias, who allegedly exerted pressure on senior officials to have her removed from her post.
“The mafias managed the system to force her out,” the petition claimed. It further accused the state government and senior police officials of yielding to mafia pressure and sidelining an honest officer who had dared to challenge the prevailing system.
High Court Raises Concerns Over Afroz’s Forced Leave
The High Court, however, raised concerns regarding its earlier order issued in a criminal writ petition, which had stated that the Superintendent of Police (SP), Baddi, could not be transferred without the court’s permission. The court directed the government to produce all relevant documents related to Afroz’s transfer and scheduled the next hearing for January 9.
This issue stems from the PIL filed by Sucha Ram, seeking Afroz’s reinstatement as SP of Baddi. The petitioner referred to a High Court order from September 9, which mandated that the officer could not be transferred without the court’s consent. A representation by local residents to the Chief Minister on November 26 also requested her reinstatement, but no action has been taken.
A Notable Officer with a Strong Academic Background
Afroz, a Rhodes Scholar and graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, studied at the University of Oxford. She has gained a reputation for her uncompromising stand against illegal activities, particularly during her tenure as SP in Baddi. Her effective leadership has earned her the respect of the people and raised expectations for justice in the region.
PIL Calls for Afroz’s Reinstatement as Baddi SP
The petition urged the High Court to intervene, seeking the reinstatement of Ilma Afroz as SP of Baddi and the initiation of strict action against the criminal mafias operating in the region.
This case has not only stirred political circles in Himachal Pradesh but also galvanized public opinion, with many rallying behind Afroz’s efforts to combat illegal activities and restore justice in the region.
