HYDERABAD: The 34-year-old transwoman, Ramya(name changed), who was allegedly abused by unidentified army personnel near parade grounds on Saturday night is currently traumatised for a number of reasons.While the physical abuse is something the community members are used to, Ramya fears that this could be the end of her livelihood. One of the main dancers at the Bonalu festival in Secunderabad, Ramya had taken an advance to perform on Monday.

“She is scared that this incident will not provide her the opportunity next year,” said Rachana Mudraboyina, a trans woman who was with Ramya after the incident occurred on Saturday night.
The incident came to light a day after when Rachana posted photographs of the assault on social media. In her post she stated that military personnel dragged Ramya and despite her pleading, they beat her. While cases under IPC Section 324, for voluntarily causing hurt and Section 352, for assault and criminal force have been registered against unidentified army personnel, it might not be true to the victim’s version, claim members from the community.

“We waited for more than four hours at the police station as officers were not available on Sunday morning. By then, a verbal complaint was already made after which Ramya was issued permission for a medical check up. While we were waiting at the station, we wrote down the victim’s version that stated details of the attack,” explained Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli, who was also with Ramya.

However, police, the community members claim, pushed them to change the version and maintain that Ramya trespassed and hence was trashed. “We did not agree to this.
We also did not receive an acknowledgment from the police about our complaint. We do not know what is in the FIR,” added Vyjayanti.

D Nagaraju, SI, Begumpet police station stated that an FIR was registered based on the complaint filed by Ramya and they have a written copy of her complaint. “She didn’t give us as many details upon inquiry,” he informed, adding that they have been receiving complaints against transpersons for creating nuisance. “We counselled them in the past but they do not have an alternative livelihood option and hence go back,” he said. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Forum has intervened and will be constituting a fact finding committee to investigate the matter.

Army calls allegations ‘baseless’

Stating that the allegations made by Ramya are “false and factually incorrect”, the Army issued a clarification. The press release stated that transpersons had trespassed into the army Parade Ground. “As per the security procedure, the army personnel at the site requested them to vacate the premises as they are guarding the Defence Land. On the contrary, the transgender persons were aggressive, abusive and tried to assault the army personnel. No force was used by the army personnel and the allegations made by the transgender persons are unfounded and baseless.”

Mahankali  Bonalu concludes, oracle predicts bountiful rains

Hyderabad: The Bonalu festival, organised as part of Ashadha Jatara at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad, concluded on Monday with the ‘Rangam’ (oracle) predictions made by Swarnalata, followed by a colourful procession of the presiding deity atop a caparisoned elephant. The oracle predicted that the state would receive bountiful rains this year too. On Monday too, pilgrims arrived at the temple in large numbers

CP orders an inquiry into the incident of stopping Dattatreya’s vehicle

Hyderabad: A day after police stopped vehicle of Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya towards Mahankali temple, city Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy ordered an inquiry on Monday into the incident. “The Additional Police Commissioner, Law and Order, VV Srinivas Rao shall conduct the enquiry into the circumstances in which the vehicle was stopped by identifying policemen for their negligence and submit a report for taking appropriate action,” Mahneder said. Dattatreya’s vehicle was stopped when he  along with his family went to Mahankali Ujjaini temple to offer prayers following Bonalu festivities on Sunday. He and his family got down from their vehicle and walked to the temple on foot. Upset over the act, he vented his anger alleging that police has violated protocol of Union Minister by humiliating him. Meanwhile, BJP city leaders brought the matter to the notice of Police Commissioner.

Source:-http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/jul/11/transwoman-abused-by-army-personnel-fears-losing-bonalu-gig-1627090.html