Kerala is the first state to introduce a transgender policy in 2015. However, incidents of high-handedness against transgender persons still continue.
Three transgender persons were allegedly beaten by the Thrissur East police station in the wee hours on Monday. In a complaint filed with the District Police Chief Deepthi, Aleena and Ragarenjini said that they were beaten by a three-member police team including a Sub Inspector. They were on their way to Bangalore and had halted at the bus station to have food.
"There was no provocation from us. The police didn't ask any questions but suddenly began to beat us using a cane.” “We were beaten on the chest, thighs, hands and legs. Deepthi’s leg was already injured in an accident. We tried to tell the police not to beat her, but they didn't listen.” Ragarenjini had undergone a sex reassignment surgery recently, said the complaint.
“The torture happened at a time when we have been facing several issues as we decided to live as transgender persons which irked the society. We have been subjected to attack from our home and working place for many years. Kerala has passed the Trangender Bill in an attempt to bring us to the forefront of social life. The bill was a result of our continuous fight,” it said. “If the police was suspicious about our attire or behaviour, they could have questioned us. It's blatant violation of Human Rights and unlawful that the male police assault transgender people.”
“The doctor of the government district Hospital Thrissur was reluctant to provide us treatment. We later understood that his name doctor is Faisy. Then we contacted transgender activist Seethal Syam. Seethal had come to the hospital for convincing those on duty to give us treatment. We would be able to identify the police personnel who have beaten us. Stern action should be taken against them,” the complaint said. Vahid Assistant Commissioner Thrissur told The News Minute that the police have commenced an investigation based on the complaint.