Hyderabad citizens urge police action as hijras resort to extortion during private ceremonies
Hyderabad: While the world over people have come forward to support the LGBTQ rights, the situation in India remains significantly different concerning the third gender or transgenders, commonly known as Hijras.
Recently, Cyberabad police apprehended 12 transgenders for causing a public nuisance on the streets of Hyderabad. The individuals were reportedly engaging in acts such as exposing themselves, singing songs, and making gestures to attract public attention, creating a nuisance in public spaces. The police swung into action and conducted checks in the Nanakramguda area in response to complaints from residents.
The Hijra community holds a special place in our society, especially on occasions like weddings and childbirth. However, in recent times, several transgenders have been accused of exploiting their position to extort money from people.
A Hyderabad-based journalist’s social media post highlighting the extortion tactics of the hijra syndicate has elicited a string of responses from other users who shared their similar experiences. Sharing the pictures of two markings made by hijras – one at the bride’s home and the other at bridegroom’s residence, the journalists explained how the hijra ‘syndicate’ appeared just before the wedding rituals and started demanding Rs. 50,000 from the bride’s family and later turned out at bridegroom’s place demanding a similar amount.
The Hijras threatened the families to ‘create nuisance’ during the wedding if they didn’t give them money. They managed to extract Rs. 30,000 from both families. The journalist wondered how did the hijras find out about the private ceremony which was taking place in a flat of an apartment.
The post prompted a flurry of responses from other users who shared similar experiences in the comments sections. Some users criticized the police department for their alleged inaction in addressing such incidents. Subsequently, Hyderabad police acknowledged the issue and assured the users that necessary action will be taken against the trouble-makers.
