Bengaluru, 10 Nov

The Movement for Gender and Sexual Pluralism (MGSP) and other groups condemned the alleged kidnapping and assault of a transgender woman on 30 and 31 October. The groups said her head was forcibly shaven.

Sukanya, the victim, was abducted from KR Puram and subjected to brutal violence, including repeated beatings with a wooden stick and a ladle on 30 October, the rights organisation said in a statement. Her head was then forcibly shaven. She was detained until 31 October. 

“This brutal incident highlights how members of the hijra system, particularly those at the lowest levels of its hierarchy, often face violence on multiple fronts — their natal families, the police, the general public, and tragically, at times, from within their own communities,” MGSP said. The organisation said an FIR has been lodged. 

The group called for urgent action from the State government to ensure justice for Sukanya and safety for all transgender persons.

Asha Kilaru, member of the Sarvatrika Aarogya Andolana Karnataka (SAAK), said: “SAAK stands firmly with the survivor.”