Bengaluru Police issues guidelines to curb harassment and extortion by transgender people

According to the guidelines, police stations have been directed to identify places where repeated complaints are received and ensure increased patrolling in those areas. | Photo credit: File Photo

The Bengaluru City Police has issued guidelines to regulate complaints of transgender persons allegedly harassing members of the public, obstructing traffic, aggressively soliciting money and engaging in other illegal activities in public places.

The move follows complaints of incidents at traffic signals, markets, bus and railway stations, residential areas and venues for events or ceremonies.

According to the guidelines, the police have been instructed to examine the facts and circumstances of any complaint of aggressive extortion of money or alms, obstruction of public or vehicular traffic, threats, rude behaviour, assault or harassment and take appropriate legal action in accordance with law.

Police stations have also been directed to identify places within their jurisdictions from where repeated complaints are received and ensure increased patrolling in those areas.

The police have been directed to meet regularly with members of the transgender community and raise awareness about their involvement in illegal activities.

At the same time, the public will be informed about what immediate steps they can take in case of harassment or violation of the law.

The guidelines emphasize that the legal rights, dignity and respect of transgender people must be protected while maintaining public order and ensuring the flow of traffic.

Police personnel were specifically directed not to use derogatory, insulting or abusive language towards transgender persons and to use respectful and non-discriminatory language when taking action against violations.

The Commissioner of Police has directed all policemen and employees of the Bengaluru City Police to strictly follow the instructions.

The public has also been advised not to panic during such incidents and immediately contact the emergency number 112, give the details of the incident and file a complaint at the nearest police station.

Rakshitha Mallikarjuna, a trans woman and social activist, admitted that there have been cases of transgender people forcing members of the public to give money or behaving rudely. However, she argued that such a move could lead to overreaction to an already marginalized community, as it could create the impression that all transgender people behave the same.

“We demand respect. Any money that comes in should be accepted without demand or coercion. But why is begging or any action by a transgender person specifically flagged while men, women and even children are not similarly warned? Such measures can empower the police to act against the community,” added Rakshitha.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 19:49 IST