Eunuchs to handcuff Delhi cops with rakhis

Delhi cops will have their hands - or at least wrists - full this Rakhi. In a bid to get cops to support their community, a group of eunuchs will visit police stations, tying rakhis to cops. Shara Ashraf reports.

Delhi cops will have their hands - or at least wrists - full this Rakhi. In a bid to get cops to support their community, a group of eunuchs will visit police stations, tying rakhis to cops.

Lily-a-member-of-the-eunuch-community-ties-a-rakhi-to-Bhupender-Kumar-stationed-at-Majnu-Ka-Tila-HT-photo

"Eunuchs and transgenders are treated as outcasts. Cops' support will make it easier for them to assert their rights," says Rupika Dhillion, director, Space (Society for Peoples' Awareness, Care & Empowerment), which started the campaign.

"I hear eight to nine cases of eunuchs being harassed by police every day. I hope this helps sensitise cops," says LGBT activist and lawyer Shashi Bhushan.

For those who aren't easy to reach, like the SHOs, ACPs and the Delhi Police commissioner, 'e-rakhis' - greetings sent online - will have to do.

Eunuchs hope their newfound 'brothers' will live up to expectations.

"I lost my family long ago. I tied a rakhi to someone after ages and couldn't help crying. Hope my brother values this relationship," says 30-year-old Sanjana, who tied one to Bhupender Kumar, stationed at Majnu Ka Tila.

Among cops, however, the jury is still out.

"It's a good initiative. Eunuchs are humans, too, and deserve to live with dignity," says Mohinder Singh, SHO, Civil Lines.

DCP Sanjay Bhatia has a different take: "We are duty bound to protect all citizens. There is no need for eunuchs to make special appeals by tying rakhis."