Members of the transgender community in Gujarat staged a vehement protest outside the Sadar Kharian police station, alleging molestation and mistreatment by law enforcement officials.
The protest, which escalated into a standoff, saw the temporary closure of the road leading to the police station.
According to reports the transgenders, incensed by the alleged misconduct of the police, stormed the station, ransacking its premises and even taking two officers hostage.
Eyewitnesses recount a scene of chaos as protesters hurled bricks and stones, vandalising property and dragging furniture onto the streets.
The grievances of the transgender community stem from what they claim to be a pattern of abuse and harassment by the police towards their fellow community members. Allegations include molestation, physical assault, and verbal abuse.
However, authorities present a conflicting narrative, stating that the confrontation arose during a routine search operation, exacerbated by a heated exchange between the transgenders and the officers.
In response to the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Asad Muzaffar swiftly took action, suspending the two officers involved and initiating a high-level inquiry committee led by SP Investigation.
The DPO emphasised that while the police officers implicated have been suspended pending investigation, appropriate measures will also be taken against the transgenders who resorted to vigilantism.
