Ban on transgenders begging at signals extended till june

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The city police have extended the ban on transgenders who aggressively demand money at signals and intersections until June 10, 2025. Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar issued the order on Wednesday under BNS Section 163.

Local complaints reported that transgenders and other groups harass people at signals, outside showrooms, and during festivals or family events especially targeting new vehicle owners and shopkeepers. This prompted the police to take action.

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Strict instructions have been issued to all police stations. Those violating the ban will face criminal charges under:

• BNS Section 223 for defying orders

• Section 4 of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 if caught begging

In August 2023, four transgenders were booked for obscene gestures and inappropriate touch while begging, which led to heightened vigilance.

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Other concerns:

• Children and disabled individuals are also being used for begging at Kranti Chowk, Mahavir Chowk, Shahnoor Miya Dargah, and railway stations.

• Many are found in unhygienic conditions or under the influence.

• Departments like Women and Child Development and the Child Welfare Committee have shown negligence, with little to no intervention so far.

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Police assure citizens:

“Begging is a punishable offense. Strict action will be taken against all such groups. Local police have been instructed. Citizens will not be harassed.”

—CP Pravin Pawar

(Photo Caption: A child being used to beg – Feroz Khan)