Those Who Harm Transgenders Will Face Consequences: Minister R. Bindu Demands Immediate Report on Assault

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Dr. R. Bindu, has strongly condemned the brutal attack on a transgender woman in Kochi and has called for an immediate report on the incident. Emphasizing that violence against the transgender community will not be tolerated, she warned that strict legal action will be taken against the perpetrators. Dr. Bindu asserted that no one should believe they can harm transgender individuals without facing consequences.
The attack occurred around 2 AM on Friday near the Palarivattom Metro Station in Kochi. The victim, Angel, a resident of Kakkanad, was waiting for a friend when she was reportedly subjected to verbal abuse before being brutally assaulted with an iron rod by two individuals. Disturbing CCTV footage captured her attempting to escape the attack, during which she sustained severe injuries to her legs and fingers, including a fractured finger. According to reports, the assailants repeatedly struck her while issuing death threats, stating, "You should not live in this world. We will wipe you out."
Following the attack, Angel filed a formal complaint with the Palarivattom Police, and a case was registered under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. The two accused, Fazil from and Manaf, have been arrested and remanded in custody. They have been charged under non-bailable sections, including assault with a weapon and issuing death threats.
In response to the incident, Dr. Bindu has directed the Director of the Social Justice Department and the District Social Justice Officer to submit an urgent report. She assured that the government is taking the matter seriously and that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.