Police Lathi-Charge Transgender People During Scuffle, Arrest 9

Captured on video, the policemen can be seen charging the trans people with batons as they run for cover.

A group of transgender people were brutally beaten up by policemen in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut on Monday, 10 June.

(Photo Courtesy: ANI screenshot)

A group of transgender people were brutally beaten up by policemen in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut on Monday, 10 June. The incident has been captured on video, where the policemen can be seen charging the trans people with batons as they run for cover.

The police claims that the incident took place after two groups of transgender people clashed with each other over area of operation, PTI reported.

Nine trans people have been arrested, an officer said.

Argument Over Area of Operation

On the afternoon of Monday, 10 June, one of the groups had reportedly entered the area to collect badhai, a tradition where they sing and dance for monetary offerings, when the rival group intervened.

The ensuing argument erupted in a clash over the area of operation, the police said.

PTI reported that when the police reached the spot, a scuffle took place between the personnel and the transgender people. The police charged the two groups with batons in order to disperse them, according to an officer.

However, an NDTV report said that the police were able to diffuse the situation upon their arrival and had even convinced the two rival groups to file complaints. But, another clash broke out at the police station, prompting the police to charge them with batons.

“Force was used to control the transgender people after they began creating a nuisance,” ANI quoted Special Superintendent of Police Nitin Tiwari as saying.

He added that an investigation will be undertaken if the policemen were found to have used more force than was necessary.

(With inputs from ANI , PTI and NDTV)