The bodies of three transgender people were recovered on Sunday, from bushes in a secluded area near the Nagori Cooperative Housing Society, adjacent to the Superhighway M-9 Motorway. The identities of the victims were later confirmed through fingerprint matching.
Upon notification of the finding, Memon Goth police, Rangers officials, and rescue teams reached the scene. Police cordoned off the area and began a search operation, while the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) was called in to collect evidence.
After inspecting the crime scene, SSP Malir, Abdul Khaliq Pirzada told media representatives that all three individuals were shot and killed. Reportedly, each was shot once, with two of them shot in the chest and one in the head. Further, the SSP reported that the scene suggests the victims were killed at the same location, as two bullet casings were found nearby. Two bodies were found together, while the third was found a few feet away, suggesting the third victim may have tried to escape. Additionally, the SSP revealed that the condition of the bodies suggests they had been lying there for only a few hours, however, the exact time of death is to be confirmed by the Medical Legal Officer (MLO).
Police recovered two 9mm bullet casings, a torch, a roll of tissue, and other items from the scene. The recovered casings are to be cross-matched to determine whether a single weapon or multiple weapons were used in the attack. SSP Pirzada revealed that no CCTV cameras were located in the vicinity, but stated that surrounding cameras are being reviewed for any possible footage. He also noted that there are indications the victims frequently visited the location, with some recovered, used, items supporting this theory.
The SSP reported that no items were found on the bodies that could help identify the victims, and no mobile phones were recovered from the scene either. However, SHO Memon Goth, Javed Abro, revealed the identities of the deceased, confirmed through fingerprint matching. The victims were identified as 20-year-old Alex Riyasat alias Aini, son of Riyasat Masih, originally from Sheikhupura, 28-year-old Muhammad Jeel alias Sameera, son of Muhammad Murad, originally from Khairpur, and an unidentified person known by the alias Asma.
Gender Interactive Alliance issues statement
The Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA), a transgender rights organisation, issued a statement noting that the three murdered individuals, Asma, Sameera, and Aini, were residents of areas around Bilawal Goth and Safora Town. Their means of livelihood was begging, and they had left their homes to beg for alms and earn a living, but never returned.
The GIA claimed that these repeated incidents of violence against the transgender community stands as evidence that the community is being systematically targeted. In this regard, the alliance stated "this is not just about the murder of a few individuals, it is an attempt to intimidate and silence the entire community."
The alliance appealed to the Sindh government and the police to conduct a transparent investigation aiding the swift arrest of all those involved in the murders. The GIA also demanded that a special protection unit be established for the safety of transgender people, calling for strict legislation and enforcement to prevent hate crimes and violence against the community.
Trans community stages protest
In response to the triple murder, the transgender community staged a protest outside Jinnah Hospital. The demonstration was led by transgender rights leader Bindiya Rana who strongly condemned the incident, announced a press conference and province-wide protests. Stating "these events have created immense fear among the community," Bindiya questioned "should we stop leaving our homes altogether?"
CM orders inquiry
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the murders and issued orders to IG Police to immediately arrest the killers. Murad said that the killers should be arrested at all costs and ordered for a report to be submitted to him. The CM stated, "Transgenders are an oppressed section of society," and said that the state will not tolerate the killing of any oppressed and innocent citizen.
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