The high cost of being trans in India, and how a new law could add to it
Although the 2026 amendment does not explicitly make gender-affirming surgery mandatory for all applicants of the transgender identity card, the requirement for a medical board review has created confusion and concern within the transgender community. Illustration showing transgender people alongside a medical board certificate, hospital bill, medicines and transgender identity card, highlighting the costs of legal recognition and healthcare. Megha*, a transgender woman from northern Kerala, got her transgender ID card in 2020, five years before undergoing gender affirmation surgery. Esha Kishore, another trans activist based in Kerala, got hers in 2015, also before undergoing gender-affirming procedures. The card is the legal document that certifies an individual’s gender identity under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and neither had to undergo surgery to get it. They could apply based on their self-identification, with any medical procedures they choose to undergo coming later. Megha spent roughly Rs 3-4 lakh on her gender-affirming care, including surgery, hormone therapy, doctors’ fees, tests, travel, accommodation, food, and medication. She still spends over Rs 2,000 a month on medicines, a cost she will have to shell out for decades to come, since doctors advise most trans individuals to stay on hormone therapy until their 50s. Esha too spent a comparable amount on gender affirmation procedures, which she began a decade earlier than Megha. For many like them, legal recognition did not depend on whether, when, or how they chose to medically transition. But that has now changed. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, which came into force in May, removes statutory recognition of self-identification and requires a medical board to certify a person’s transgender identity. It also narrows the definition of who can be legally recognised as transgender, covering certain socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, and jogta, as well as people with specified intersex variations. A heavily criticised provision also includes a separate category of people whom the law says have been compelled to adopt or present a transgender identity “by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence.” The amendment effectively excludes people whose identities are based solely on self-perception, including self-perceived trans-masculine, trans-feminine, and gender-non-binary identities. The change has left transgender persons, activists, and lawyers concerned about who will now be able to obtain legal recognition, and what the new medical-board process will require. For those who already have ID cards, however, there is some clarity. During a hearing on August 17, the Union government told the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the 2026 amendment would continue to remain operational, subject to the outcome of the petitions challenging the law. But for those seeking an ID card under the new system, the process could carry a significant medical and financial burden. Experts told TNM that requiring certification by a medical board could function as a surgery mandate in practice, even if the amendment does not explicitly say that surgery is compulsory. That could make expensive medical procedures and the costs of follow-up care a barrier to obtaining legal recognition, marking a significant departure from the earlier system, under which self-identification was enough to apply for a transgender ID card. What the amendment changed The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13 and passed by the Lok Sabha on March 24 and the Rajya Sabha on March 25. It received presidential assent on March 30. The amendment makes three significant changes to the process of legal recognition. It removes the statutory right to self-identification, narrows the definition of a transgender person, and introduces a medical board as the authority responsible for certification. To understand why these changes matter, it helps to look at how the process worked earlier. Under the 2019 Act and the 2020 Rules, a person could apply to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity as a transgender person by submitting an affidavit declaring their gender identity. The Rules specifically said the application was to be processed without a medical or physical examination. Surgery was therefore not required to obtain an initial transgender certificate. Medical intervention came into play if a person who already had a transgender certificate subsequently underwent surgery to change their gender to male or female and sought a revised certificate under Section 7 of the 2019 Act. Rule 6 of the 2020 Rules used the broader term “medical intervention” for this process, defining it to include counselling, hormone therapy, and surgical intervention, if any. The 2026 amendment changes the process for obtaining the initial certificate. The District Magistrate must now examine the recommendation of a designated medical board before issuing a certificate, although the amendment itself does not specify what medical tests, examinations, or criteria the board must use. A Tamil Nadu-based lawyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told TNM that the new system could function as a surgery mandate in practice, even if the law does not explicitly say that every applicant must undergo surgery. “Until we get the rules under the amendment, we won’t be sure. But so far, surgery is mandatory. The 2019 Act also said surgery is mandatory, but the rules watered it down to ‘medical intervention’. The 2020 rule said the same. But now, with the 2026 amendment, they’ve restored the language of surgery.” While the lawyer’s interpretation goes beyond what the amended law expressly states, it points to the central concern raised by activists: a process that once began with an individual’s own declaration of their gender identity will now involve medical scrutiny by a state-appointed body. “What this amendment essentially does is shift that power into the hands of the government,” the lawyer said. That shift is significant in light of the Supreme Court’s 2014 landmark National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgement, which recognised transgender people’s right to self-identify their gender without making medical or surgical intervention a prerequisite. The 2019 Act subsequently gave statutory recognition to this principle. Section 4 recognised a transgender person’s right to be recognised
Anaya Bangar fires back at Marizanne Kapp over transgender cricket debate
Anaya Bangar became the first Indian trans-cricketer to play in Women’s Community Cricket. She has been provided the green light by Cricket Australia (CA) to play the game. After CA allowed her to play, South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team icon Marizanne Kapp was fuming about the fact and questioned Bangar’s push for a WBBL opportunity. Now the former has replied with the same. The 25-year-old is the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar and a former Mumbai youth-level player. However, she changed her gender back in March 2026, in Thailand, and has been outspoken for transgender athletes in the midst of a worldwide controversy over transgender rights in sports. She will look forward to many more opportunities. Anaya Bangar slams Marizanne Kapp Marizanne Kapp, while replying to CA’s post, stated that it is ridiculous to allow a player and voiced that it should not be allowed. Now replying to Kapp, Anaya Bangar said that the people and cricketers who are questioning her integrity, and also Cricket Australia, should go and educate themselves before making any comments on the fact. Australia cricket apparel Anaya, while speaking with PTI, said, “I think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic, and I’ve already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage, and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia.” “If anyone’s personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves,” she replied. She is planning to feature in the WBBL next season, but will only be allowed to play if her testosterone levels remain within prescribed limits.” “Yeah, it is very disappointing”: Anaya Bangar expresses disappointment over BCCI Apart from slamming Kapp, Anaya also shared her disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the board did not reply to her and served her with silence, and she hopes that the BCCI changes its policies to allow some transgender cricketers to play for the country, as she is the first case in India. “Yeah, it is very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was sold with silence. And I knew that transitioning was gonna make me steer away from cricket. So I was, I’m, I’m just grateful that at least I’m getting this opportunity to play and I hope that BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic since I’m the first case in India.”Choosing Cricket Gear Anaya Bangar sights eye for India Women team She further added that she would be happy to share her experience and insights with the team and through her journey and for the development of women’s cricket in the future. The BCCI currently does not have a formal regulatory policy or official guidelines regarding the participation of transgender cricketers in domestic women’s cricket. “I’d be happy to be a part of the team and provide my insights and gatherings throughout my whole journey and what would work best for our country and women’s sport in the future.” Anaya Bangar further added, “To be honest, transitioning was always about being happy and comfortable in my own skin. And I had to take the necessary steps during that time in my life to basically give up the sport that I loved.” By Anirban Bose Courtesy : Cricket Addictor Note: This news is originally published on https:/cricketaddictor.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
In uniform, back home: Trans constables return to Garima Grih for Rakhi
Raipur: For the transgender community at Garima Grih in Raipur, Raksha Bandhan this year was more than a festival of threads and sweets. The celebration carried a special sense of pride as newly appointed transgender constables returned to the centre to celebrate with members of the community. For many residents of the shelter home, who have experienced estrangement from their biological families, the sight of members of their community joining the police force and returning in uniform was a powerful symbol of acceptance, visibility and a growing place in institutions once considered beyond their reach. Residents tied rakhis to one another, recreating familial bonds within the community. One of the most touching moments came when trans woman Nikki Dhruv tied a rakhi on the wrist of her brother, Sparsh Kashyap. Poppy Devanath said Raksha Bandhan at Garima Grih was about experiencing the affection and security of a family. Transgender rights activist Vidya Rajput said many transgender persons grow up with painful distances from their parents and siblings, even though emotional bonds often remain. Celebrating Raksha Bandhan together, she said, helps recreate some of that lost sense of home. The participation of the transgender constables added a deeper significance to the occasion. In a space created to provide shelter and dignity to a community that has long fought for recognition, seeing members of their own community return in uniform reflected a larger journey from the margins towards the mainstream, with every rakhi strengthening the bond of belonging. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : News On Air Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender athlete who was born a male cleared to play in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League after not receiving a response from India
Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has been cleared to pursue a place in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League from March 2027. The 25-year-old, who is the daughter of former India cricketer and national batting coach Sanjay Bangar, received confirmation under Cricket Australia’s Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. The decision makes Bangar eligible for elite domestic women’s cricket in Australia once she satisfies the policy’s requirements. However, it does not guarantee her a WBBL contract. She must still attract the interest of a franchise and earn selection through her performances. Bangar has also been cleared to play women’s community and Premier Cricket across Australian states and territories with immediate effect. She described Cricket Australia’s decision as a major breakthrough after previously fearing her playing career had ended. ‘It is a great day for me, especially after knowing the fact that I can play cricket,’ Bangar told The Indian Express. ‘There was a stage when I thought I would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it has given me another chance.’ Bangar underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand in March 2026. Cricket Australia’s elite policy requires transgender women to keep their serum testosterone concentration below 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 months. Players must also comply with ongoing monitoring requirements. ‘I am now eligible to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia from March 2027 onwards,’ Bangar told Bombay Times. ‘For me, this is incredibly emotional because there was a point when I genuinely believed I had lost cricket forever.’ Bangar previously played in Mumbai’s youth cricket system as a top-order batter and all-rounder. She trained and competed alongside players including Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan before later moving to the United Kingdom, where she continued playing and training with local clubs. Her immediate task will be finding an Australian club and rebuilding her match fitness through community and Premier Cricket. ‘The next challenge is to get myself into the best possible physical and competitive shape and put myself in a position to be considered by a WBBL franchise,’ she said. ‘I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity.’ WBBL clubs recruit international cricketers through overseas-player contracts and the competition’s draft system. That means Bangar must first demonstrate that she can perform at the required level before any franchise considers adding her to its squad. ‘The WBBL has an overseas-player contracting and draft system, where clubs select from the pool of available international players, like it happens in the IPL or the WPL,’ she said. ‘So ultimately, I still have to convince a franchise that I can contribute to their team. ‘For me, that means getting back into competitive cricket in Australian leagues, working on my batting, bowling, fielding and fitness, training consistently and demonstrating that I can perform at that level.’ Cricket Australia’s domestic rules differ from those governing international women’s cricket. The International Cricket Council ruled in 2023 that transgender women who experienced male puberty could not compete in international women’s matches, regardless of whether they had undergone surgery or testosterone treatment. The policy applies to ICC-sanctioned international cricket but does not prevent national governing bodies from establishing their own eligibility rules for domestic competitions. Bangar also contacted the Board of Control for Cricket in India last year to determine whether she could play women’s cricket in the country. She said she had not received a response. A BCCI official subsequently said the governing body had not established a formal policy covering transgender women in domestic cricket. By JOSH ALSTON, SPORTS REPORTER Courtesy : Daily Mail Note: This news is originally published on https:/dailymail.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Three LPG cylinders, free bus travel for women, transgenders – what CM Vijay announced in TN assembly
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a set of welfare measures in the state Assembly, including three free cooking gas cylinders a year for eligible beneficiaries and an expansion of the fare-free bus travel scheme for women. Under the cooking gas scheme, the amount for the three cylinders will be credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. Vijay announced the launch of the Vetri Payanam scheme, expanding the existing fare-free bus travel programme for women across the state. Under the scheme, women will be allowed to travel free of charge on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas. For inter-district travel, the benefit will cover ordinary-fare government buses in mofussil and hilly areas. The scheme will come into effect from October 2, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Vijay said there would be no income ceiling or restriction on the number of trips under the programme. Transgender persons will also be eligible for free travel. “No riders like income ceiling or number of trips for women to avail fare-free bus travel,” Vijay added. Vijay had earlier outlined several welfare measures in his election manifesto, including six free LPG cylinders a year for every family, up to 200 units of free electricity, a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women below the age of 60, and family health coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender Police Trainee Found Hanging In Bathroom In Bihar
The victim, identified as Avanthika Sindhu, was a resident of West Champaran district. She was among a batch of 500 trainees sent from Patna Police Lines to Jamalpur for training. Transgender Police Trainee Found Hanging In Bathroom In BiharThe body has been sent for postmortem examination.Munger: A transgender woman constable undergoing police training in Bihar’s Munger district was found hanging in a bathroom on Sunday, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The constable, Avanthika Sindhu, had reportedly been unwell for the past few days and was alone in the barracks when the incident occurred. Sindhu was a resident of West Champaran district. She was among a batch of 500 trainees sent from Patna Police Lines to Jamalpur for training. The batch includes 16 transgender personnel. The incident took place at the BSAP-9 camp in Jamalpur. According to colleagues, Avanthika had been unwell for the past few days and had not been taking part in training activities. On Sunday, the entire batch had gone to the training ground, while Avanthika remained in the barracks due to her poor health. When fellow trainees returned in the evening and began looking for her, they found her hanging in the bathroom. She was immediately taken to a primary health centre, where she was declared dead. Mithilesh Kumar, Commandant, BSAP Camp told the reporters, “It appears to be a case of suicide. The woman was found in the bathroom with a cloth towel tied around her neck.” Soon after receiving information about the incident, BSAP-9 Commandant Mithilesh Kumar, DSP Dr Arjun Kumar Gupta and Jamalpur Station House Officer Pankaj Kumar Paswan reached the camp and began an inquiry. Officials also questioned personnel staying in the barracks. Police are probing the case from multiple angles, including the circumstances inside the camp and the constable’s health condition. Investigators are also examining her personal life and external contacts to determine if any other factors may have contributed to her death. According to police sources, her mobile phone and personal contacts are also being subjected to technical examination to determine whether any pressure, dispute or other factor may have been involved. However, police said no conclusions can be drawn until the investigation is completed. The body has been sent for postmortem examination. Commandant Mithilesh Kumar said the constable’s family had been informed about the incident. Station House Officer Pankaj Kumar Paswan said the exact cause of death would be known only after the postmortem report and technical investigation are completed. Edited by: Anwesha Singh Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Free LPGs, expanded free travel for women, transgender persons; Parandur Airport scrapped: TN Vijay
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced that three LPG cylinders would be provided free of cost every year to 1.34 crore families in the State. He also announced the expansion of the free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons, which is currently limited to ordinary buses. Under the new ‘Vettri Payanam Thittam’, they will be allowed to travel free of cost on mofussil buses operating between districts, as well as express and deluxe buses operated by the MTC in Chennai and by transport corporations in Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy and other cities. The scheme will come into effect on October 2. Making the announcements under Rule 110 in the Assembly, Vijay also said the proposed second airport at Parandur had been dropped and the government was exploring alternative sites for the project. 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
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Hypnotised’ Mumbai airhostess gave Rs 200 ‘dakshina’ after rape by ‘transgender’: Cops
MUMBAI: Powai police arrested Anil Shinde, 28, from Kalwa within four hours after an FIR was registered at 11 pm on Tuesday in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 25-year-old airhostess at a Powai flat. Shinde allegedly posed as a transgender person and entered the building through gate number two after being stopped by a security guard at gate number one. Police said Shinde approached the airhostess on the pretext of curing her husband’s illness and warding off the evil eye. He allegedly took her to a bedroom and sexually assaulted her before she raised an alarm. He fled after collecting Rs 200 from the airhostess and Rs 100 from an 85-year-old man who owned the flat as dakshina. Ironically, police said, Shinde earned only Rs 300 from the two residents but spent Rs 1,200 on an autorickshaw that he hired from Kalwa to travel to Powai and return home after the alleged offence. Shinde first approached the building through gate number one around 12.15 pm but was stopped by the security guard. He then allegedly bypassed the security arrangements and entered through gate number two around 12.20 pm.“Warnings have been circulated asking people not to allow any stranger to enter the house. Luckily, in this case, the two women were not harmed or attacked. So far, no criminal history has been found against Shinde,” said a police officer from Powai police station. After entering the building, Shinde knocked on the doors of several flats on an upper floor before the 85-year-old resident on the ground floor opened the door. Police said Shinde gained the senior citizen’s trust by chanting mantras and claiming that he could ward off the evil eye, which he said was causing illness. The elderly man then introduced Shinde to the airhostess, who has been staying as a paying guest in the flat for the past six months. Shinde allegedly told her that he could help cure her husband, who is currently hospitalised with dengue after travelling to Mumbai from Varanasi, where he works, earlier this week. “He frequently visits his wife. Shinde took the airhostess to the bedroom and sexually assaulted her before she raised her voice after realising that something was wrong. The senior citizen was completely unaware of the incident. Before leaving, Shinde asked both of them for dakshina, and they gave him Rs 200 and Rs 100 respectively,” said a police officer. After the airhostess approached Powai police and registered a complaint at 11 pm, DCP Datta Nalawade supervised a team led by senior inspector AS Sawant, inspector Sushant Bandgar, sub-inspectors Ramchandra Pinjarkar and Sandeep Patil, and other police personnel. Police first traced the autorickshaw driver after identifying the vehicle through CCTV footage. The driver then led the police to Kharegaon slum in Kalwa, where he had dropped Shinde. Police said Shinde had travelled nearly 40 km in the same autorickshaw — from Kalwa to Powai and back — after allegedly committing the offence. Fearing police action, he also stopped begging for the day and returned home. “Shinde paid Rs 1,200 to hire an autorickshaw for the nearly 40-km journey from Kalwa to Powai and back after committing the offence. In total, he earned only Rs 300 from his dubious dealings before fleeing home. He is not a transgender person but an impostor who roams around the city to beg. Depending on his travel plans, he hires a rickshaw. He earns around Rs 1,000 a day by begging,” said sub-inspector and investigating officer Ramchandra Pinjarkar. Shinde was booked for rape and criminal intimidation and remained in police custody until August 24, police said. He was arrested within four hours of the FIR being registered on Tuesday night. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights