Authorities to check activities of Eunuchs

Eunuchs, who often harass people in public places, especially during the festive season demanding money, will now face the wrath of authorities with measures being taken to check their activities.

Eunuchs, who often harass people in public places, especially during the festive season demanding money, will now face the wrath of authorities with measures being taken to check their activities.

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The Railway and Delhi Police have decided to take on such persons who are found extorting money from people as complaints against eunuchs keep increasing with every passing day.

Many people cough up money when confronted by transgenders, who often resort to hurling abuses and taking off their clothes to extort money from their victims.

"We have sent an advisory to Zonal Railways, RPF and GRP staff to be extra vigilant during festive season. They have also been told to keep a check on anyone found harassing passengers," a senior Railway official said.

Last year around 1,000 eunuchs were arrested under different sections of the Railways Act for allegedly harassing passengers demanding money.

The transgenders were booked under Section 137 (travelling without ticket), 145 (drunkenness and creating nuisance) and 147 (trespass, refusal to desist from trespass) of the Railways Act.

The drive also made the exchequer richer by more than Rs 200,000 which was recovered as fines from eunuchs. The menace continued this year too despite the RPF booking around 300 eunuchs between January and June.

In the capital, eunuchs are often seen at parks, cinema halls, railway/metro stations, historical monuments, raising a ruckus and harassing people if their demands are not met.

Considering the number of complaints, the Delhi Police has alerted its personnel towards any such incidents. "Police take action as and when any incident is reported. We take actions against such elements involved in harassing people," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.

The third sex, also known as 'Hijra' in Hindi, earn their living by singing and dancing at weddings, birth anniversaries and other major family events.

People often complaint that eunuchs demand money by publicly making obscene gestures.

"We also request the public to report any such matter to us. We will do all to stop and punish the guilty. After all, we are here to ensure safe and secure living for people," Bhagat told.