Press Release: Queer person ends life due to harassment by authorities
PRESS RELEASE
ATROCITIES BY LALPET POLICEMEN, GUNTUR, A.P.
ON SEXUAL MINORITIES
On 28th October, 2014, on order from the CI, Mr. Vinay Kumar, constables namely Mr. Jagadish and Mr. Srinivas, attached to Lalapet Police Station, Guntur, picked up our staff MR. NARESH on false charges. Alongwith one Transgender namely BASHA (ILIYANA) was also picked for interrogation without any notice in written given, from our office (Sneha Sri Sadikaraka Welfare Society (SSSWS), a community based organisation working for Men who have sex with Men, Transgender, Hijras, and Female Sex workers with support from Andhra Pradesh AIDS Control Society (APSACS) and India HIV/AIDS Alliance.
With the support from Shri Chandra Shekhar Rao from SURUYUDU party and Mr. Subani, Editor of Telugu Daily, the board members of SSSWS, SP and DSP were contacted and reported of the incidence. Also the board members of SSSWS has spoken to newpaper Andhra Jyothi about the same in detailed, which was also published on 29th October, 2014. Annoyed by the community approach, the officers and constables from Lalapet Police station mercilessly beat both community members, out of one who was allowed to go was taken for treatment to the nearby Government General Hospital and the other one, ILIYANA was still retained and tortured with 3rd degree treatment.
After the incidence was followed by the local leaders with the police station, ILIYANA was also allowed to leave from PS on 29th October, midnight. But the matter did not stopped here. Constables went to ILIYANA’s home and summoned her to the PS the next day (today). Tired of the atrocities from these policemen ILIYANA hanged herself in her residence this morning due to the fear of further torture to her and her family members.
Naresh who is undergoing treatment and other staff members of SSSWS have opted to resign from the CBO due to the fear of harassment to the Sexual Minorities people from officers of Lalapet PS.
The community members also held a Press Meet this morning to raise their concern and highlighted the process of abatement to commit suicide by the above mentioned Police Personnel.
The community is now demanding justice from the law makers for a dignified and fearless life for them in Guntur district.
Pehchan Guntur
Date & Place: 30th October, 2014, Guntur, A.P.
