Citizens show solidarity with the transgender community

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Express news service

Posted online: Friday , March 14, 2008 at 02:19:42
Updated: Friday , March 14, 2008 at 02:41:13

Kolkata, March 13 In a show of solidarity, around 300 citizens joined a candle light procession to condemn the violence on March 9, in which three members of the transgender community were beaten up by locals of the Rabindra Sarovar area. The silent protest was held in front of the Menoka Cinema hall in South Kolkata.

According to first hand reports, around 7.30 pm on March 9, two transgender people, Reema and Swapan, had gone to a street snack centre near the Menoka Cinema Hall when two men standing at the shop started making lewd comments at them. An argument broke out and the men immediately pounced upon Reema and Swapan, abusing them and beating them up.

Reema and Swapan's cries for help attracted their friend Deepak, who rushed to the spot. The two men then turned their attention on him and punched him in the face. Deepak retaliated and hit back at one of the assailants in a bid to protect himself. Incidentally, the public park in the area is a popular hang out for members of the transgender community.

Following Deepak's retaliation, the two men started calling out for local boys who gathered in no time. The mob, which by now had swelled to about 30, pounced upon the Deepak, Reema and Swapan, beating them up.

They were rushed to the emergency ward of M R Bangur Hospital, where doctors said they had to be admitted.

"Reema and Swapan were traumatised by the incident and fearing backlash from family members, refused to be admitted in hospital. A formal complaint was lodged with the Lake police station late that night. Such incidents have been taking place at an alarming regularity," said Anindya Hajra, spokesman for the Pratyay Gender Trust.

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Comments - 1

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