A serious dispute has erupted within the transgender community in Nandlalpura area of Indore city of Madhya Pradesh. Sapna Guru, a representative of the Hindu transgender group, has alleged that some Muslim transgenders from Malegaon including Payal alias Naeem Ansari and Seema Haji alias Farzana are pressuring Hindu transgenders to convert to Islam. Sapna claims that they were given HIV-infected injections when they refused to convert.
This incident has created an atmosphere of fear in the community. Many transgenders have left their camp, while some have joined the accused group under pressure. Sapna Guru’s lawyer Sachin Sonkar has complained about the matter to the CJI, Prime Minister’s Office, Chief Minister’s Office, District Administration and Police Commissioner. He has also submitted some video evidence.
So far, more than 60 transgenders have been found to be HIV infected, out of which 12 are undergoing treatment at the ART Center of MY Hospital. The lawyer claims that about 100 infected transgenders are roaming in the city, which can pose a threat to public health.
Taking the matter seriously, the police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This team includes DCP Rishikesh Meena, Additional DCP Disha Agarwal, IPS officer Aditya Patale and ACP Hemant Chauhan. The investigation has started and the police is looking at it from the point of view of community and health safety.
This matter is not only related to religious tolerance but also public health and human rights. The administration has appealed to be vigilant and cooperate with all parties until the conclusion of the investigation.