Transgender board stands beside trans-woman tortured by in-laws

Tripura Trasngender Welfare Board has sought legal action against the in-laws of a trans-woman Ishani Das. According to the members of the welfare board, Das was physically and mentally abused by her in-laws after they came to know about her biological gender identity. The in-laws claimed that Das cheated them by pretending to be a female.

Recounting the sequence of events, Ishani Das said she came in contact with her husband identified as Akash Das through social media and that they remained in a relationship for six years. 

“I had disclosed my biological identity to him from the beginning and did not conceal any aspect of my background,” said Ishani. 

According to her, she was born male and later left her parental home in Agartala after her family became aware of her sexual orientation. She subsequently moved to Mumbai, where she worked at a beauty parlour.

Ishani said, “I was born as Nayan Das and later adopted the name Ishani after transition. My parents continue to reside at our ancestral home in Camperbazar, Agartala. My husband Akash Das, is a resident of Mohanpur in West Tripura district.”

She further stated that she was initially unwilling to marry, anticipating opposition from family members and society. 

She alleged that Akash insisted on marriage and warned that he would take extreme steps if she refused. “Following his threats, I left my job in Mumbai and returned to Agartala, where the marriage was solemnised shortly thereafter. The relationship remained normal for a few days until my in-laws became aware of her gender identity,” she said. 

Videos and photographs circulating on social media that show her confined in a room in the presence of in-laws, relatives and locals. 

She alleged that her in-laws accused her of deception and subjected her to verbal abuse. She also claimed that she was physically assaulted and forcibly tonsured before being taken to the police station.

After being alerted, members of the Tripura Transgender Welfare Board reached the West Agartala Women Police Station and took her into their custody. 

Payel Das, member of the board, alleged that her husband was aware of her identity prior to the marriage but did not support her during the incident. The board has urged the police to conduct an impartial investigation and take action against those involved.

“Her husband didn't defend her when she needed his support. We want strict action against those who are involved in this inhuman act,” she said.