Blackmailed transperson's case filed under PECA

PESHAWAR:

Following the viral spread of an inappropriate video involving transgender individual Dolphin Ayan on social media, a case has been registered under the PECA Act for the first time in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's history.

Based on Dolphin Ayan's appeal, a case has been filed against the accused at the Hashangri police station. The case has been registered against seven individuals, including the main accused, Imran. Dolphin Ayan reported that in 2023, she was abducted at gunpoint from Shabqadar by Imran and his accomplices.

In the FIR, it was stated that the accused took him to their hideout and filmed an inappropriate video. The suspects continued to blackmail him with the content. He discovered that the video had gone viral on social media on October 29.

The viral video has tarnished the reputation and honor of both her and his family, she said. Dolphin Ayan called for the arrest of the accused. She stated in a video message following the video's circulation that there is a need to raise awareness about the rights of transgender individuals.

Dolphin emphasised that there is silence on their fundamental rights, and transgender individuals are being murdered on a daily basis. "Do we not have the right to live?" she questioned.

Dolphin Ayan also mentioned that the transgender community has faced extortion demands; those who refuse to pay are threatened with murder. He appealed for freedom to pursue art and dance.

According to data obtained by the Express Tribune, around 70 transgender individuals have been murdered in recent years, with over 1,300 others injured.