Murder of two Transgenders in Patna Triggers Protest in Community

Patna: Frightened and angry over the killing of two transgenders in Patna in the last 24 hours, dozens of transgenders protested and shouted slogans against the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance government on Tuesday for “failing to protect them”.

Anger in the community boiled over after a transgender identified as Soni was shot dead at Chiraiyatad Bridge, near Kankarbagh locality, on Tuesday morning.

The protesting transgenders placed Soni’s body on a road and burned tyres near Sri Ram Hospital, disrupting traffic for hours. “Soni was shot dead while returning from a birthday party,” Lakshmi, one of the protesters, told Newsclick. According to the police, the protesters damaged some vehicles and forced the nearby shops and markets to shut down.

The protesters sought security in Patna in view of the murder of the two transgenders in separate incidents. “We are not safe and scared after the killings. If transgenders are not safe, who will be safe?” added Lakshmi.

Another protester Mohini said that the police didn’t take action because the victim was a transgender. “Instead, the police used force to disperse the protesting transgenders,” Mohini said.

In another incident, a transgender identified as Usha Rani was found murdered at her house at Machua Toli, under Alamganj Police Station, on Monday. The police have confirmed it a case of murder and started an investigation.

According to Alamganj police officer Krishna Kumar, Usha Rani was beaten to death with stones and shot. “We are waiting for the post-mortem report,” another transgender Sunita told Newsclick.

Several transgenders expressed fear over the murders. “We are widely considered the safest community but the killings of the two transgenders have caused fear and panic among us. This is not a good sign. The government should ensure our safety and security,” one protester said.

As per the 2011 Census, there are 40,827 transgenders in Bihar. In recent years, the state government initiated some measures to empower them and provide them livelihood.