Bengaluru, Sep 24 (PTI) Bengaluru Police on Thursday issued guidelines to curb alleged harassment, traffic obstruction, extortion and other unlawful activities by some transgender persons in public places, while directing personnel to safeguard their legal rights and dignity.
The directions were issued following complaints from the public and media reports about incidents involving aggressive solicitation of money or alms, obstruction of traffic and pedestrians, threats, abusive behaviour, assault and harassment, the police said.
Police have been directed to verify the facts and circumstances of each complaint and take appropriate legal action in accordance with law, a release said.
Action would be taken against those causing inconvenience to the public at traffic signals, markets, bus and railway stations, residential areas, other sensitive locations and venues where functions and ceremonies are held, the guidelines said.
Each police station has been instructed to identify locations from where repeated complaints are received and increase patrolling in such areas.
The police will hold regular meetings with members of the transgender community and create awareness against involvement in unlawful activities.
At the same time, the guidelines stress that while maintaining public order and ensuring smooth movement of traffic, police must protect the legal rights, dignity and respect of transgender persons.
Police personnel have been directed not to use derogatory, insulting or abusive language against transgender persons and to adopt respectful and non-discriminatory language while taking lawful action.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner has instructed all officers and personnel to strictly comply with the directions.
The police have appealed to the public not to panic in case of such incidents and to immediately call the 112 helpline, provide necessary information and lodge a complaint at the nearest police station. PTI KSU SSK
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