The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar.
A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar. A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. Upon receiving information about the incident, local police immediately swung into action and arrived at the scene with their forces. The police wasted no time in admitting the gang rape victim, who was in extremely critical condition, to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital for treatment. She is receiving intensive treatment under the supervision of a special team of doctors. Following this horrific incident, the victim’s helpless and widowed mother mustered courage and filed a written complaint at the local police station. Based on the victim’s statement, the police have registered an FIR against the accused under relevant sections. The weeping mother pleaded with the police administration for justice and demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits. Gang-raped in a field, beaten, and dumped unconscious on the roadside The accused raped the girl in a deserted field. They then assaulted her and left her unconscious before fleeing. When she did not return home for a long time, her family began searching for her. They found her unconscious in the field. The victim’s condition is reported to be critical. The police have stated that all the accused will be arrested soon and action will be taken under the law. Advertisement A deaf and mute transgender woman was also raped. Another rape incident was reported in Gopalganj within just 24 hours. Late on Monday night, a transgender woman was sleeping in her cattle shed in the Vijaypur police station area. A young man approached her and forcibly raped her. Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint at the police station. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the accused, Vinod Ram, and are interrogating him. The victim has been sent to Sadar Hospital for a medical examination. Ankur Shrivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
HIV cases among gays in Karnataka rise from 166 to 412
The highest number of registered individuals was in the 26-35 age group, followed by those aged 18-25 years. BENGALURU: The number of HIV-positive cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Karnataka has increased from 166 in 2023-24 to 412 in 2025-26, according to data from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). The figures show a steady rise over the three years, with cases increasing to 362 in 2024-25 before reaching 412 in 2025-26. Data from KSAPS also shows that the number of MSM individuals registered under targeted Intervention Programmes (IP) increased from 44,581 in 2023-24 to 62,664 in 2024-25 and 66,606 in 2025-26. The highest number of registered individuals was in the 26-35 age group, followed by those aged 18-25 years. An IP for MSM refers to targeted public health initiatives aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and other STIs. “Among the MSM population, lack of awareness and misinformation about HIV and sexual health continue to be major concerns. Many individuals engage in sexual activity without knowing safe sex practices and the importance of regular HIV testing. With the increasing use of dating applications, people are able to connect easily. There is a need for sustained education and outreach to ensure that individuals have access to accurate information and preventive services,” said Padma Basavanthappa, Project Director, KSAPS. She added that the state records around 12,000 to 13,000 HIV-positive cases annually across all categories, including MSM. NGOs working with key populations, including MSM, transgender people, female sex workers, migrants and truckers, play a crucial role in HIV prevention efforts. “The NGOs are given a target of increasing their numbers by 25% each year,” Basavanthappa said. “The individuals are given condoms, they are guided on how to have safe sex, their health check-ups are done, and they are linked to social security schemes,” she stressed. Manohar Elavarthi, State Committee Member of the Movement for Gender and Sexual Pluralism, said HIV awareness initiatives need to adapt to changing patterns of communication among young people. “Instead of blaming youths, the government must find effective ways to reach them on the digital platforms that they use every day,” he said. Hanumantha Rayappa, deputy director of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC), said many people with HIV remain unaware of their infection due to the absence of early symptoms. He encouraged the use of the Break Free App and free HIV testing at ICTCs in Karnataka, with free Antiretroviral Therapy services at government hospitals. Gayathri M Kurup Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Video Falsely Claims Indian Army Officer Thrashed In Thailand For Refusing To Pay For Escort Service
The video actually shows a 52-year-old Indian tourist, Raj Jasuja, who was allegedly beaten up in Pattaya following a dispute over payment for sexual services. A video showing several women assaulting a man in public is being widely shared on social media. The clip includes a screenshot of what appears to be a Times of India headline claiming that an Indian Army official, identified as Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni, was beaten up in Thailand after refusing to pay for an escort service. Was Indian Army Officer Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni Assaulted In Thailand? No, Video Viral Evidence A Google reverse image search using a keyframe from the viral video led us to a report published by ABP News on January 3, 2026. The report identified the man in the video as Raj Jasuja, a 52-year-old Indian tourist. According to the report, he was allegedly assaulted by a group of transgender women in Pattaya, Thailand, on December 27, 2025, following a dispute over payment after availing sexual services. We also found a report by The Indian Express carrying details of the same incident. The report, too, detailed that Raj Jasuja was allegedly assaulted in Pattaya after an argument related to payment for sexual services escalated into a physical altercation. The report further noted that the tourist suffered injuries to his face and the back of his head and was taken to a hospital after receiving first aid. Further investigation led us to a report by The Thaiger, which stated that the incident took place near Pattaya’s Walking Street. Citing an eyewitness identified as Phongphon, the report stated that an argument broke out between Raj Jasuja and a transgender woman over an alleged payment dispute. Was Indian Army Officer Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni Assaulted In Thailand? No, Video Viral With False Claim According to the eyewitness account, the transgender woman subsequently called several colleagues, after which the Indian tourist was allegedly attacked by a group. The report added that Raj Jasuja received medical treatment for his injuries and that police planned to record his statement as part of their investigation. We also searched for the Times of India headline visible in the viral post and found that it had been digitally altered. The original reports and footage identified the victim as Raj Jasuja, an Indian tourist. However, viral social media posts modified the headline and falsely portrayed the man as an Indian Army official, thereby creating a misleading narrative around the incident. Conclusion Our investigation found that the viral claim is false. The video does not show an Indian Army official being assaulted in Thailand. It actually depicts an incident involving 52-year-old Indian tourist Raj Jasuja, who was allegedly attacked following a dispute over payment for sexual services in Pattaya. Additionally, the headline attached to the viral post was manipulated to misrepresent the identity of the victim. Written By Mohammed Zakariya, Translated By Vasudha Beri, Edited By Kushel Madhusoodan Courtesy : News Cheker Note: This news is originally published on https:/newschecker.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Diljit Dosanjh’s Aroma song leaves bitter aftertaste with use of transgender slur
Diljit Dosanjh has come under fire for using a transgender slur in his song Aroma. The row gained momentum at the start of Pride Month, with many questioning the message and implications of the lyric. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing criticism over a lyric in his song Aroma. Listeners have accused the track of casually using the term ‘chakka’ – widely considered a slur for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, while framing it in contrast to an ideal of ‘real’ masculinity. The debate gained traction on June 1, the start of Pride Month, as social media users questioned the message conveyed by the line and argued that it reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender and masculinity. Aroma, a collaboration between Diljit, Raj Ranjodh and music producer Tru-Skool, was released on April 23. The verse at the centre of the controversy reads: “Oh mardaan di gall hundi yakkyaan di nai… Jurrataan di talk hundi chakkyaan di nai.” According to translations shared by listeners on social media, the lines roughly mean: “This is the talk of men, not weaklings. This is the talk of courage, not of chhakke (cowardice)’.” Users have said the lyric uses a term widely regarded as derogatory and appears to equate courage and masculinity while belittling gender-nonconforming identities. The backlash centres on the use of the word ‘chhakka’, which is often used as a slur against transgender people. Critics have said the lyric uses offensive language and also reinforces outdated ideas about masculinity by setting strength and courage against gender-nonconforming identities. Social media users said the verse appeared to demean and marginalise the queer community. A month after the song’s release, several listeners said they had been hearing the track without understanding the meaning of the lyrics. They said they only realised what the verse appeared to mean after translations began circulating online. Actor Manish Poonam was among those who criticised the song. In an Instagram Story, he wrote, “Courage and men don’t go along each other. Hoping this move would make you more of a man. Shame.” Another Instagram user wrote, “He is working in the entertainment industry, which is built, shaped and sustained by countless queer people. I am so confused, why did nobody question it before its release. Did no one stop to think about the message it sends. And I hope there is an explanation to this (sic).” Reacting to the video, an X user wrote , “Bruh Diljit Dosanjh straight up used a transphobic slur with no filter in his latest song I can’t do this anymore I thought he was a good person (sic).” Here are few comments posted on YouTube’s comments section: Another post said, “Amazing, like in a country where people are just fighting to get their mere share of equality, their huge figures like this use words casually without thinking about anyone’s sentiments. We are evolving day by day. Happy Pride Month.” The discussion around Aroma continued on social media as users highlighted the reach and influence of major artists. Diljit Dosanjh has not publicly addressed the controversy so far. The criticism over Aroma comes weeks after Diljit Dosanjh was drawn into a controversy surrounding his citizenship. A report by The Indian Express claimed that the singer-actor has been travelling on a US passport since 2022, sparking debate on social media. Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Firozabad News: Two criminals arrested for snatching a gold pendant from a transgender person
Tundla. Police from Nagla Singhi police station arrested two criminals during checking on Saturday evening on the dirt road leading from Bhekanpur Bajhera Road to Nagla Kale. Sonia, a transgender resident of Suryanagar, Tundla, was returning from Fatehabad, Agra, on a bike with a young man on May 28th when two bike-borne criminals snatched the gold pendant from her neck near Bajhera village. Following the victim’s complaint, police registered an FIR and were searching for the criminals. Station in-charge Parul Mishra stated that, based on a tip-off, the accused, Ramdhan and Sheelesh (residents of Nagla Kale, Nagla Singhi police station), were arrested. Police recovered the stolen gold pendant, the bike used in the crime, and white plastic beads from the accused. Both accused were sent to jail after being produced in court. Courtesy: Hindi News
Delhi Govt to issue Pink Saheli Smart Cards free of cost to women andtransgenders; how to get your card and which documents are required, explained
The Delhi government recently announced that the old paper Pink Tickets will be completely phased out by the end of July this year. New Delhi: There is great news for the women of Delhi. They will no longer need to stand in long queues or brave crowds to obtain their DTC bus ‘Pink Passes.’ The Delhi government is now transitioning from paper tickets to a ‘Pink Card’ system. Furthermore, starting in August, paper tickets will be completely discontinued. To ensure women do not face hardship when purchasing these Pink Cards, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government is set to organise special camps across most of the city’s neighbourhoods and streets. What is Pink Saheli Smart Card? The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital initiative launched by the Delhi government on March 2, 2026. With this card, you will no longer need to obtain paper-based pink tickets from the bus conductor repeatedly. The Pink Saheli Smart Card functions as a type of National Common Mobility Card (NCMC); you simply need to ‘tap’ it upon boarding the bus, and your free journey will be automatically registered digitally. Old Paper Tickets to be Discontinued from July If you are still relying on the old paper-based Pink Tickets for your commute, they will be discontinued from July. The Delhi government recently announced that the old paper Pink Tickets will be completely phased out by the end of July this year. Consequently, starting in August, only those possessing a Pink Saheli Smart Card will be eligible to travel for free on DTC buses. When and Where Will Special Camps Be Held? To spare women from having to stand in long queues at SDM offices or DTC depots amidst hot and humid weather, the government is organizing these special camps. Acting under the directives of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government—in collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)—will set up these camps right within your own neighbourhoods. This initiative is set to launch on Sunday in Central Delhi’s Nabi Karim area and will gradually be expanded to cover all other parts of Delhi as well. Who Is Eligible, And What Are The Criteria? The Pink Digital Smart Card scheme is designed primarily for all women and transgender citizens residing in Delhi. Any woman or girl living in Delhi who is over the age of 12 can obtain her card under this scheme free of cost. This card will not only enable free bus travel but can also be topped up with funds to be used like a standard smart card on the Delhi Metro, Namo Bharat, and other public transport services. Which Documents Are Required For The Pass? To obtain the Pink Digital Smart Card, applicants must possess and produce an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address, an active mobile number, and two passport-sized photographs. Government officials present at the camps will verify these documents, and your Digital Pink Saheli Smart Card will be issued to you on the spot. Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi Courtesy : India.com Note: This news is originally published on https:/india.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Playing a transgender was no less than a roller coaster ride’
Actor & talent coordinator Palash Dutta opens up about his experience playing a transgender character and more Actor Randeep Hooda is currently riding high on the success of Season 2 of Inspector Avinash, where he plays police officer Avinash Mishra in the crime thriller based on the real-life exploits of Uttar Pradesh’s ‘super-cop’ Avinash Mishra, an encounter specialist in the 1990s. Actor and talent coordinator Palash Dutta was part of the series, playing a transgender character, and opened up about his experience. “Playing a transgender character, Angoori, was no less than a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was playing the right-hand aide to Devi, played by the versatile and gifted actor Abhimanyu Singh, and just observing him transform into the character of a mafia transgender queen was a delight and a learning experience. We both struck a great chord during the shoot and gelled very well. There were also a couple of real transgenders on the sets who helped us get the nuances and performances right,” Palash said. “A very interesting thing happened on the sets… Since I was looking very pretty and beautiful as a transgender in the makeup and look, there were many actors and men on the outdoor shoot in Udaipur wooing me, flirting with me and trying to grab my attention!” Palash Dutta also revealed. Palash started his journey as a model and actor in 1995. Having worked in many TV commercials like Coca-Cola with Aamir Khan and Pepsi with Amitabh Bachchan, he has also been a talent coordinator. Courtesy : Metro India Note: This news is originally published on https:/metroindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Punjab civic polls: Transgender influencer Komal Mahant scripts historic victory in Samana
Mahant secured the victory by a margin of 505 votes, emerging as one of the most talked-about winners in the civic polls In a result that has generated considerable buzz in Patiala’s Samana, transgender candidate Komal Mahant transformed her social media popularity into electoral success by winning the Municipal Council election from Ward No. 18 on a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ticket. Mahant secured the victory by a margin of 505 votes, emerging as one of the most talked-about winners in the civic polls. Her campaign stood out for blending digital outreach with traditional grassroots politics, helping her connect with both young voters and residents at the neighbourhood level. Known for her strong presence on social media, Mahant and her team used Instagram, where she has over 64,000 followers, to amplify campaign messages focused on youth welfare, anti-drug awareness and civic development. However, supporters say it was her extensive door-to-door interaction with residents that ultimately converted online support into votes. Celebrations erupted in Ward 18 as the result was declared. Amid chants by supporters, an emotional Mahant thanked voters for placing their faith in her. “Namaskar and Sat Sri Akal to all the people of Samana. I pray for the happiness of every family. The love and support of the people of Ward 18 have brought me to this position. I will work honestly to live up to their expectations,” she said. Mahant’s election campaign revolved around a promise of visible change in the ward. She pledged to spend Rs 6 lakh annually from her personal resources on social welfare activities, launch campaigns against drug abuse among youth and improve damaged streets and open drains that residents have long complained about. Political observers described her victory as more than just an electoral upset. They said it reflected a growing willingness among voters to look beyond conventional political identities and support candidates who maintain direct engagement with the public and focus on local issues. Article_Author Kulwinder Sandhu Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
16 Transgenders In Telangana Appointed As ‘Eagle Team’ In HYDRAA
Hyderabad: In a novel initiative the Telangana government’s Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has provided employment opportunities to 16 transgenders. Eleven trans women and five trans men have joined HYDRAA, which has been in the news in recent times for removing encroachments on water bodies and government lands in and around Hyderabad. The new recruits said that employment at HYDRAA has brought a new light into their lives and the dignity bestowed by this job has instilled a deep sense of self-confidence within them. According to an official release on Friday, these 16 people are ready to perform their duties anywhere and at any time. They are actively participating in the removal of encroachments on lakes and drainage channels, and are at the forefront of protecting public parks and lands designated for community use in the state. Undeterred by the stature or influence of encroachers, they perform their duties fearlessly and play an integral role in safeguarding public assets in Telangana. They assert that the employment they secured at HYDRAA represents far more than just a means of livelihood; it signifies a newfound identity for their lives. They express that wearing the HYDRAA uniform is a matter of great honour for them and shared their immense joy at being designated the ‘HYDRA Eagle Team’ and being fully integrated into operational duties. The transgender team members played a pivotal role in successfully protecting 862 acres of government land in Ailapur, located in the Aminpur Mandal of Sangareddy district. Recently, they played an active role in saving the Edulakunta lake in Madhapur. They play a key role in tasks such as persuading the public, engaging with women to de-escalate tensions, and facilitating coordination between officials and the community. HYDRA officials say they have a natural ability to understand and empathise with people’s emotions and have been commended for consistently achieving excellent results in their fieldwork. Transgenders currently working with HYDRAA are now providing financial support to their families. They are earning a steady monthly income, and their standing within society has improved. Most importantly, their self-confidence has been bolstered by the realisation that “we, too, are capable of making a meaningful contribution through our work.” “We were begging for a livelihood. In the past, wherever we went, we were subjected to ridicule. If we asked for work, we were turned away. But now, when we step out in uniform to perform our duties, everyone speaks to us with respect,” said Tanshi Rai. “Given the opportunity, transgender individuals can excel in any field. Our duties at HYDRAA serve as a living testament to this fact. At HYDRAA, everyone—from the officials to every other staff member—extends their full cooperation to us. We are treated as equals in the performance of our duties,” said Gayatri. Courtesy : Ommcom News Note: This news is originally published on https:/ommcomnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
People of Purpose: Kalki Subramaniam’s Sahodari Foundation Drives Trans Rights Through Art and Activism
Kalki Subramaniam, founder of Sahodari Foundation, has spent over 16 years using art, literature, livelihood projects, and courtroom advocacy to build a life of dignity for India’s transgender community, one story at a time. When Kalki Subramaniam was a teenager in Tamil Nadu, she watched her friend Manju, a transwoman, get raped. She watched another transgender friend hide in fear after her own brother tried to throw kerosene on her and burn her alive. She watched others flee their homes for Mumbai and bigger cities, only to end up begging or doing sex work to survive. These were not distant news stories. These were her people. That fury did not break Kalki. It built her. Artist, writer, activist, and entrepreneur, Kalki Subramaniam is the founder of Sahodari Foundation, one of India’s most significant organisations working for transgender rights and dignity. She has been part of the movement that contributed to the landmark 2014 Supreme Court recognition of transgender rights. She has used theatre, poetry, visual art, and sustainable livelihood projects to fight for a community that has long been pushed to the margins. And she has done all of it while remaining, at her core, a storyteller. Knowing Who You Are Kalki traces her sense of self far back, to a childhood defined by curiosity and creativity. “I was different and pursuing creativity always right from my childhood,” she told The Logical Indian. “I was interested to explore colours, nature, the universal wonders and beyond. I was so sure of who I was and had this urgency to put myself creatively as an artist and a writer, that is where I found my identity.” That certainty was not something she had to build over time. It was simply there. And importantly, it held steady even when criticism came. She was never put down by it. She knew her purpose. This grounded sense of self would later become the foundation for everything she built. The Moment Awareness Became Anger Growing up in Tamil Nadu, the reality of what structural marginalisation looked like was not abstract for Kalki. It had faces and names. Manju’s rape as a teenager was the turning point that sharpened everything into focus. The horror of that moment, combined with witnessing how her transgender friends were treated by their own families and where they ended up, made something very clear to her. “Their destiny and how society treated them, bringing them to the bottom, made me angry,” she said. “Those flames gave me the awareness that I need to be the change.” Crucially, she says there was no single defining moment that made her choose public advocacy over private struggle. It was a string of moments. Each incident added weight to a resolve that had been forming since her teenage years. By the time she was ready to act, she already knew exactly what she was fighting for: dignity, respect, and the right to exist without fear. Building Sahodari: From Void to Voice In 2008, Kalki founded Sahodari Foundation. She describes the landscape she saw then with striking clarity. “There was a vast, silent void between the transgender community and the rest of society. We were visible only as caricatures or ‘problems,’ but we had no platform to tell our own stories.” She had seen what happened to trans women like her friend Seema, who was denied education, forced into sex work or begging, and faced brutal violence with no legal recourse whatsoever. Sahodari was built to close that gap, to move, as Kalki puts it, “from being spoken about to speaking for ourselves,” with a focus on dignity, economic independence, and the power of storytelling. The institutional barriers in those early years were severe. “The biggest barrier was the wall of dehumanization,” she told The Logical Indian. “Socially, we were outcasts; families discarded us, and movies mocked us. Institutionally, we didn’t exist in the eyes of the law.” When Manju was raped, the police refused to even take her complaint, because they viewed her existence itself as a deviation. “We had to fight just to prove that we were human beings worthy of protection.” Kalki was part of the movement that led to the 2014 Supreme Court ruling recognising transgender rights, including the right to self-identify. She calls it “a historic sunrise.” But she is also clear-eyed about what followed. Legal change, she says, is not always social change. While ID cards and some welfare schemes followed the ruling, the grassroots reality remained marked by violence. She is particularly critical of the Transgender Persons Protection Act, which she argues actually dilutes the 2014 victory. It mandates medical screenings and, significantly, offers lighter sentences to those who assault transgender persons compared to those who assault cisgender women. “The law changed,” she said, “but the heart of the system is still catching up.” Art as Resistance, Art as Healing What makes Kalki’s approach distinct is her insistence on art as a vehicle for both resistance and healing. Two of Sahodari’s most notable projects reflect this. The Red Wall Project documents stories of sexual violence, written by the survivors themselves. The testimonies are rendered in red. “When people see these red-stained testimonies, they can no longer look away,” Kalki explained. “For the survivor, painting or performing is a way to ‘sever the pain’ (Vali Aruthen). It turns a traumatic memory into a powerful piece of resistance.” Thoorikai, another Sahodari initiative, similarly uses performance and art as tools for both resistance and healing. Kalki’s broader philosophy across both projects is that “art bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the soul.” It reaches people in ways that policy papers and press releases cannot. Livelihood and Long-Term Change Kalki is equally practical about the fact that advocacy alone cannot feed people. She defines empowerment not as charity but as agency. “Empowerment is the transition from survival to thrivability,” she told The Logical Indian. A one-time donation, she says, is not empowerment. What matters is whether a person has control over their