Hyderabad functions face repeated complaints over forced collections by transgender groups
HYDERABAD: A woman’s allegation that a group demanded ₹50,000 before letting her family enter their new home has renewed concerns over forced collections at functions and public places in Hyderabad and nearby districts.
In a video shared on September 4, the Chintal resident alleged that the group followed her family to the new house. She said they reached the premises before the family and demanded money.
She also alleged that the group abused the family and exposed themselves after she started recording the incident.
Police action or an FIR in the Chintal complaint could not be confirmed at the time of writing.
Complaints reported at weddings, shops and junctions
The latest allegation follows several complaints since 2021. These include alleged demands for money at weddings, housewarmings, shop openings, restaurants, traffic junctions and trains.
Some cases involved people identified as transgender. In other cases, police alleged that people posed as transgender persons while demanding money.
In April 2024, the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force apprehended a transgender woman and a 17-year-old boy. Police accused them of forcibly collecting money from shopkeepers and pedestrians in Trimulgherry.
Police said they seized ₹3,490 and a mobile phone from the duo.
In November 2024, Hyderabad police said they apprehended seven transgender people. Police accused them of collecting money at a housewarming function in Nandagiri Hills.
Jubilee Hills police registered a case and began an investigation, according to a police press note.
The complaints have not been limited to housewarmings. Police have also received complaints about alleged collections at traffic junctions, shops and public transport locations.
Police warned against forced collections
Hyderabad police commissioner V C Sajjanar met around 250 transgender people in December 2025. The meeting followed complaints of harassment and forced money collection.
Police said some groups were visiting homes during auspicious occasions and demanding large sums.
Sajjanar warned that people involved in extortion would face legal action. He also urged members of the community to use government livelihood opportunities.
The police press note said complaints of forced collections were increasing. It also said that anyone taking the law into their own hands would face action, regardless of their identity.
The reported cases span several police jurisdictions. These include Hyderabad City, Cyberabad, Rachakonda and railway police limits.
However, not every complaint will appear in police crime figures. Some matters may have been settled informally. Others may have remained at the social-media or petition stage.
Alleged conduct, not identity, should guide the investigation
Police records show cases involving transgender people. They also show cases where people allegedly impersonated transgender persons.
The distinction matters when reporting such incidents.
The focus should remain on the alleged conduct in each case. This includes whether anyone demanded money through threats or intimidation. It also includes allegations of assault, obstruction or property damage.
Investigators should also establish who organised or took part in the alleged collection.
A police press note from April 2024 distinguished between a transgender woman and a juvenile whom police accused of impersonating a transgender person.
The December 2025 police meeting also combined enforcement with an appeal for livelihood support. This shows that the issue has both a law-and-order and a social dimension.
For families facing such demands, the immediate priority is to report the incident. They should also preserve videos and other evidence.
Details such as the location, people involved, vehicles and any payments can help police investigate the complaint.
The repeated complaints also highlight the need for police to track cases across jurisdictions. This could help identify repeat offenders and organisers where evidence shows a pattern.
