Clear suspense over Baddi SP going on leave: Shanta to CM

Former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar today urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to clear the suspense over the issue of Baddi SP Ilma Afroz proceeding on long leave, which had gone viral on social media.

In a social media post, Shanta, who is known for speaking his mind, said that it was the responsibility of the state government to end the suspense over the issue of Ilma suddenly going on long leave. “There is still suspense as to why she packed up her belongings after returning from Shimla and left Baddi for her native place,” he wrote.

Shanta Kumar asked Sukhu to disclose the real reasons behind Ilma’s abrupt leave. “If she has been doing commendable work during her stint as the Baddi SP, the Chief Minister should show courage and honour her,” he said. The Chief Minister had said on the issue that he only knew that Ilma had gone on long leave for personal reasons.

Shanta Kumar said, “If she has been asked to proceed on leave for any wrongdoing, the government must clearly specify the reason. People must know the real reason for her abruptly going on leave. Also, if she has been asked to proceed on leave because some influential people are upset with her crusade, it is a matter of grave concern.”

The former Chief Minister exhorted the associations of officers and employees to speak in favour of Ilma and register their protest against the injustice being meted out to her. “The officers and employees bodies should not just confine themselves to seeking DA and other allowances and should raise their voice against the raw deal being meted out to an upright officer like Ilma,” he added.

Shanta Kumar said that there were reports that some local leaders were upset with Ilma over her good work and they were behind her proceeding on long leave. “It is a bitter truth that it is not ordinary people but big leaders who give protection to those engaged in illegal mining,” he alleged.

Ilma suddenly going on long leave had made national news but it was on November 16 that the Police Department issued a press release stating that she had proceeded on leave to attend to her ailing mother. More surprising were the terse remarks in the press note that there was no need for any speculation in this regard though the issue had become the talking point.

As per the Police Department, Ilma is on leave till November 21, so it will be keenly watched if she will resume duty as the Baddi SP on her return. Meanwhile, additional charge of the SP, Baddi, has been given to another officer till she rejoins duty. Earlier, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had alleged that Ilma was told to proceed on leave as local leaders were upset with her actions.