Shimla: Himachal Pradesh IPS officer Ilma Afroz, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Baddi police district whose long leave had triggered a political storm in the state and became a national talking point, rejoined her duty on Tuesday morning (December 17, 2024) and reported at the Police Headquarters in Shimla.
Ilma Afroz, who was on 42-day leave, is expected to formally resume her role as the Baddi SP within the next couple of days.
On Monday evening, Ilma Afroz arrived in Baddi and proceeded to Shimla late at night, where she met several senior police officials at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday. Her return comes two days before her sanctioned leave was set to conclude on December 18.
Dispute with local Congress MLA
Ilma Afroz had gone on leave following a heated dispute with Doon Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary in August. The controversy began when Ilma Afroz issued a challan against a vehicle registered in the name of the MLA’s wife for alleged illegal mining.
The matter escalated into a major dispute and the MLA raised it during the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s monsoon session, levelling serious allegations against the SP and initiating a breach of privilege motion.
During the same period, a high-profile firing incident further complicated things. Scrap dealer Ram Kishan, who was denied an all-India gun licence due to his past record, allegedly orchestrated an attack on his own bulletproof vehicle.
Scrap dealer firing episode escalated matter
Ilma Afroz’s investigation revealed that Ram Kishan had staged the incident, leading to his prosecution. Ram Kishan, reportedly close to a Congress leader, was seen as another source of pressure on the SP.
Amid rising tensions and political scrutiny, there were widespread discussions regarding Ilma Afroz’s leave. However, the state government refrained from acting on these speculations, primarily due to Ilma’s involvement in a sexual harassment investigation in Nalagarh.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had entrusted her with the probe, preventing her immediate transfer.
CM Sukhu too came under attack
The controversy surrounding Ilma Afroz’s leave also sparked political debates, with former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar repeatedly targeting the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government over the matter.
The long leave also became a political issue in Ilma Afroz’s home state Uttar Pradesh during the recent byelections.
Ilma Afroz, originally from Kundarki village in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district, assumed charge as Baddi SP on January 7, 2024. Her strong stance on law enforcement and refusal to yield to political or external pressures earned her both praise and criticism.
