Ilma excelled academically, graduating in philosophy from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. She pursued higher studies at Oxford University, supported by a scholarship, and even attended Sciences Po, Paris, as an exchange student. Despite opportunities abroad, her longing to serve her country brought her back to India. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2017 with an All India Rank of 217 and joined the Indian Police Service, where she is now part of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
Her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Ilma’s achievements have inspired many, particularly in her village, where she has changed perceptions about educating girls.
Gen Z IPS At Odds With Congress MLA Over Extension Of Leave
Ilma Afroz, currently serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, has been at the center of a controversy involving a conflict with Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary. This issue arose after she took strict action against illegal sand mining in the Baddi-Doon area, which included issuing challans for vehicles linked to the MLA’s wife. This led to escalating tensions, with Chaudhary filing a privilege motion against her in the state assembly.
Despite allegations of political pressure, Ilma Afroz has maintained her reputation for strict enforcement against illegal activities like mining and drug trafficking in the region. Her refusal to comply with demands reportedly resulted in her being granted an extended leave by the police department, citing personal reasons, including attending to her unwell mother. However, some political figures and local leaders have claimed that this leave was politically motivated.
Bio Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ilma Afroz |
| Profession | Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer |
| Current Position | Superintendent of Police (SP), Baddi, Himachal Pradesh |
| Place of Birth | Kundarki, Moradabad District, Uttar Pradesh |
| Education | – BA in Philosophy, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University – Master’s Degree, Oxford University |
| Special Programs | Exchange program at Sciences Po, Paris; Volunteer work in Manhattan, New York; UN role in Indonesia |
| Year of IPS Induction | 2018 |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 217 in 2017 |
| Special Achievements | Known for tackling illegal mining and drug trafficking in Baddi-Doon area |
| Controversies | Conflict with Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary over actions against illegal sand mining |
| Notable Traits | Resilient, ethical, and committed to public service |
| Awards/Recognitions | Commended for work in curbing crime and illegal activities |
| Personal Background | Lost father at 14; raised by her mother in a rural farming community |
| Languages Known | Fluent in multiple languages (specifics not |
Early Life And Struggles
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Kundarki, a small village in Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh |
| Family Background | Daughter of a farmer; father passed away due to cancer when she was 14 |
| Mother’s Role | Played a key role in her upbringing; prioritized education despite financial and social challenges |
| Early Education | Attended local schools in Kundarki; excelled academically despite limited resources |
| Financial Struggles | Faced economic hardships; relied on scholarships and community support for higher studies |
| Community Challenges | Grew up in a conservative society where educating girls was not prioritized |
| Turning Point | Secured admission to St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, marking the beginning of her journey |
| Scholarships | Awarded a scholarship to Oxford University, enabling her to pursue advanced studies abroad |
| Inspirational Factor | Her determination to overcome societal and financial barriers inspired many in her village |
| Commitment to India | Despite opportunities abroad, chose to return to India to serve her country through civil |
Age
Ilma Afroz, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was born on June 2, 1990, making her 34 years old as of December 2024.
Husband
Ilma Afroz, has not publicly disclosed details about her marital status or husband.
Totally Asset
As of 2024, Ilma Afroz’s net worth is estimated to be approximately INR 1 crore. This estimation encompasses her earnings as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and other income sources. However, exact financial details are not publicly disclosed.
Mother’s Illness
Ilma Afroz’s mother suffered from cancer, which had a significant impact on Ilma’s life. Despite their financial hardships after her father’s demise, Ilma remained determined to excel in her education and career, all while taking care of her ailing mother. Her journey, marked by resilience and dedication, eventually led her to become an IPS officer, inspiring many with her story.
Educational Background
| Degree/Program | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School Education | Local school in Kundarki, Moradabad | Completed her schooling in her village; excelled despite limited resources and rural setting |
| Undergraduate | St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University | Graduated with a BA in Philosophy; a significant milestone for her academic journey |
| Postgraduate Studies | University of Oxford, UK | Pursued a master’s degree with a scholarship, showcasing her exceptional academic merit |
| Exchange Program | Sciences Po, Paris, France | Attended as an exchange student, gaining international exposure |
| Volunteer Work | Manhattan, New York, USA | Participated in a voluntary service program to broaden her perspective and skills |
| Professional Training | United Nations, Indonesia | Worked with the UN before joining the Indian Police Service |
Highlights:
- Ilma Afroz’s educational achievements reflect her determination to overcome financial and societal challenges.
- Her time at Oxford and Sciences Po provided her with a global perspective that she later channeled into public service.
Career Path
| Year | Position/Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Cleared UPSC Civil Services Examination | Secured All India Rank (AIR) 217; chose the Indian Police Service (IPS) as her career path |
| 2018 | Indian Police Service (IPS) Probationer | Underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad |
| 2024 | Superintendent of Police (SP), Baddi, Himachal Pradesh | Appointed SP in Baddi; became known for her firm stance against illegal activities, including sand mining and drug trafficking |
| 2024 (Ongoing) | Leave from SP role | Took extended leave citing personal reasons amidst a controversy with Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary |
Key Contributions:
- Played a proactive role in combating illegal sand mining and drug trafficking in Himachal Pradesh.
- Known for her ethical stance and refusal to succumb to political pressure, earning both respect and criticism.
Career Philosophy: Dedicated to public service, she combines her global education and rural upbringing to address societal challenges in India.
Notable Cases Handled by Ilma Afroz
- Illegal Sand Mining in Baddi-Doon Area
- Conducted raids on unauthorized mining operations.
- Issued challans, including one against a vehicle linked to the wife of Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary, leading to publicized tensions
- Drug Trafficking Crackdowns
- Focused efforts on curbing drug trafficking in Himachal Pradesh.
- Known for her uncompromising stance against organized crime
- Nalagarh Hotel Sexual Harassment Case
- Played a key role in an ongoing investigation regarding a sexual harassment case in a hotel in Nalagarh.
- Her input was critical, as noted by the Himachal Pradesh High Court during legal proceedings
- Scrap Dealer Fake Attack Case
- Investigated an incident involving a scrap dealer staging a fake attack to secure a gun license.
- Refused to succumb to political pressure to alter the investigation, maintaining her integrity
Controversy
| Date/Period | Incident | Key Details | Outcome/Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Illegal Mining Action Against MLA’s Family | Afroz fined vehicles linked to Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary’s wife for illegal sand mining; machinery was seized. | MLA accused her of bias and filed a privilege motion in the Assembly. Afroz faced calls for her transfer |
| Early 2024 | Political Pressure Over Local Case | Afroz refused political influence to cover up a staged attack involving an aide of the MLA. | Tensions escalated with the MLA, leading to strained relations |
| August 2024 | Independence Day Absence | Afroz missed an official event, reportedly worsening her relationship with local political figures. | MLA called for her transfer during Assembly proceedings |
| November 2024 | Leave Amid Sand Mining Disputes | Afroz was sent on leave amidst claims of political pressure from influential leaders upset by her crackdown on illegal activities. | Government cited personal reasons; critics claimed mafia involvement in decision-making |
| Ongoing | Role in Sexual Harassment Case Investigation | Required for a case in Nalagarh, complicating her transfer plans. | Himachal Pradesh High Court intervened to delay transfer until her input is provided |
Awards And Recognition
| Award/Recognition | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC Civil Services Achievement | Secured All India Rank 217 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2017, joining the IPS. | |
| Scholarship to Oxford | Awarded a scholarship to study at Oxford University, where she pursued a | |
| Founder of “Hope” Initiative | Established an NGO, Hope, to assist underprivileged children with education in her village. |
Family Background
- Parents: Ilma was born to a farming family in Kundarki, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Her father passed away when she was 14, leaving her mother to raise her and her brother single-handedly
- Mother’s Role: Her mother played a significant role in her upbringing, instilling values of hard work and resilience. Ilma credits her mother for teaching her the importance of education and perseverance
- Brother’s Support: Her brother prioritized her education over traditional norms like dowry, making sacrifices to ensure she received a quality education
Personal Life
- Ilma has remained private about her relationships, focusing primarily on her career and social initiatives.
- She is deeply attached to her roots and maintains strong connections with her village community, emphasizing giving back through her NGO, Hope
Relationship Status
- There is no publicly available information about her relationship status, as she prefers to focus on her professional responsibilities and community work
Future Aspirations
| Aspiration | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthening Law Enforcement | Aims to serve as a dedicated IPS officer, focusing on justice, law enforcement, and public safety. | |
| Combating Social Inequality | Advocates for breaking societal stereotypes, affecting women and girls. |
|
| Nation-Building | Aspires to contribute to India’s development by aligning her work with principles like “sarvodaya” (upliftment of all). |
Hobby/Interest
| Hobby/Interest | Description |
|---|---|
| Gardening and connection to land | Ilma has a deep connection to agriculture, owing to her farmer background. She enjoys being close to nature and soil, often referring to “watan ki mitti” (soil of her motherland) as her heartbeat |
| Philosophical pursuits | Her studies in philosophy at St. Stephen’s College have fostered a habit of deep thinking, reading, and debating philosophical ideas |
| Community service | Ilma actively works on educational initiatives for underprivileged children through her grassroots organization, Hope. This combines her interest in social service with her passion for education |
| Cultural appreciation | She values diverse cultural experiences, which she gained during her time at Oxford and through her exposure to international academic environments |
Epilogue
- Birthplace and Early Life: Born in Kundarki, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in a farming family. Lost her father at the age of 14
- Education Milestones:
- Completed schooling in her hometown.
- Graduated in Philosophy from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
- Earned a scholarship to Oxford University for higher studies
- Career Breakthrough:
- Cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2017, securing All India Rank 217.
- Joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and allocated to the Himachal Pradesh cadre
- Community Service: Founded Hope, an NGO focused on providing education to underprivileged children
- Values and Inspirations:
- Strongly connected to the “mitti” (soil) of her homeland.
- Committed to serving India through law enforcement and social initiatives
- Philosophy on Life: Advocates hard work, resilience, and giving back to society, inspired by her mother’s sacrifices and values
