Mumbai: MNS men attack 3 transgenders in Thane; activists condemn, case registered

A group of MNS workers assaulted three members of the transgender community in Thane on Sunday night, upsetting activists and the police. The police have registered a case against 15 to 20 supporters of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and no arrests had been made at the time of going to print.

The attackers, which included women, targeted the victims at Majiwada around 11.30 pm. "They indulge in prostitution and bother locals," said Abhijit Panse, senior MNS leader and Thane in-charge.

Panse said they decided the resolve the "menace" in their way considering that the area is a bustling place and has many housing complexes. "Will again resort to the same tactic if they return."

MNS's thuggish style has not gone down well with the police. "They should have come to us rather than taking the law into their own hands," said Vijay Darekar, senior inspector of Kapurbawdi police station.

The victims were taken to Thane Civic Hospital and discharged after primary care, said officials.

Transgender activist Laxminaryan Tripathi condemned the violence. "Democracy is when you believe in the law of the land. What type of leadership are they under? Who gave them the right to assault? They should be booked," she said.

Activist and chairperson of Humsafar trust Ashok Row Kavi was equally upset. "Even if those transgenders were sex workers, MNS cannot beat them up. They should have gone to the police."