HYDERABAD: A problem that usually emerges out during a festival is eunuchs ‘extorting money’ from vendors and shop owners. They even go to an extent of dropping off their pants when one refuses or resists to ‘pay up’.
“They are not well organised and are not accepted by many in the society. Hence they tend to act and behave in such a manner,” a senior official said, adding that though the issue is prevalent, people seldom come forward to complain due to social stigma.
“However, we often conduct counselling and tell the members of the community not to harass people and extort money from them,” the official said.
“We have counselled them and asked them not to approach commuters or shopkeepers for money a week ago. However, if we find them doing the same, action will be taken against them. Similarly, when a complaint is received, we book a nuisance case against them and take further action,” Assistant Commissioner of police, Banjara Hills, K. Srinivas Rao said.
The senior officials of Banjara Hills division, along with the Jubilee Hills police, took part in Operation Chabutra earlier last week, wherein they targeted the place where transgenders reside and warned them. Around five transgenders were detained by the police.
“I have been running my store here since the past three years and during the festive season, it is a common occurrence for us to face the transgenders who stand at our doors and demand money,” a shopkeeper from Ameerpet said.
