Kidnapping attempt: Transvestite harassed in Haripur

Assailants flee with her gold locket and Rs20,000.

HARIPUR: A transvestite was attacked and publicly disgraced and disrobed by unidentified assailants in Moonan village of Haripur, police officials told The Express Tribune on Sunday.

According to a police official, Shabana, a resident of Hasan Abdal in Punjab, said the incident took place after she was returning from a wedding ceremony on Saturday night along with four other people.

Three armed assailants attempted to kidnap her as they reached Sheranwala Gate in Haripur. When Shabana resisted the attempt, they beat her black and blue, tore off her clothes and decamped with her gold locket and a purse containing cash worth Rs20,000. Bystanders rushed to rescue Shabana.

Police registered a criminal case but were not able to identify the assailants till the filing of this report.

Equal treatment

Haripur Shemale Association President Saima Shaukat has threatened to protest if the police failed to arrest the culprits. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Saima said transvestites who attend marriage ceremonies are often subjected to harassment.

“Many of them are robbed of their hard-earned money and valuables,” she said. “We must remember they are also citizens of Pakistan and should be treated equally and provided protection.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2015.