Pramesh S Jain
Bengaluru City Police has issued guidelines to regulate complaints involving transgender persons allegedly harassing members of the public,obstructing traffic, aggressively soliciting money and engaging in other unlawful activities at public places.
The move follows widespread complaints and media reports about incidents at traffic signals,markets,bus and railway stations,residential areas and function or ceremony venues.
According to the guidelines,police have been instructed to verify the facts and circumstances of every complaint involving aggressive solicitation of money or alms, obstruction of public or vehicular traffic,threats,abusive behaviour,assault or harassment,and take appropriate legal action in accordance with law.
Police stations have also been directed to identify locations within their jurisdictions from where repeated complaints are being received and arrange increased patrolling in such areas.
The police have been instructed to conduct regular meetings with members of the transgender community and create awareness against involvement in unlawful activities.
At the same time,the public will be informed about the immediate steps they can take when faced with harassment or violations of law.
The guidelines stress that while maintaining public order and ensuring smooth movement of traffic,the legal rights,dignity and respect of transgender persons must be protected.
Police personnel have been specifically directed not to use derogatory, insulting or abusive language against transgender persons and to use respectful and non-discriminatory language while taking action against violations.
The Police Commissioner has instructed all officers and personnel of Bengaluru City Police to strictly comply with the guidelines.
The public has also been advised not to panic during such incidents and to immediately contact the 112 emergency helpline, provide details of the incident and lodge a complaint at the nearest police station.
