Tripura Transgender Welfare Board seeks strict legal action after trans-woman Ishani Das allegedly tortured by in-laws over gender identity. Incident sparks outrage, demands justice, and highlights urgent need for transgender rights protection in Tripura.
The Tripura Transgender Welfare Board has demanded strict legal action against the in-laws of a trans-woman, Ishani Das, who was allegedly subjected to physical and mental torture after her gender identity became known to her marital family. The incident, which has triggered outrage among LGBTQ+ rights activists, has raised serious concerns about discrimination and violence faced by transgender individuals in society.
According to members of the welfare board, Ishani Das was abused by her in-laws after they claimed she had deceived them by “pretending to be female.” However, Ishani has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that her husband, Akash Das, was fully aware of her biological identity long before their marriage.
Recounting her ordeal, Ishani said she met Akash through social media nearly six years ago, and the two developed a long-term relationship. “I had disclosed my biological identity to him from the very beginning and did not conceal any aspect of my background,” she stated.
Born as Nayan Das in Agartala, Ishani said she left her parental home in Camperbazar after her family became aware of her sexual orientation. She later moved to Mumbai, where she worked at a beauty parlour and began building an independent life. During this period, she adopted the name Ishani Das following her transition.
Despite initial hesitation to marry due to fear of societal backlash, Ishani alleged that Akash repeatedly insisted on marriage and threatened to 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,” she said.
According to Ishani, the relationship remained normal for a few days after the wedding. However, tensions escalated once her in-laws became aware of her gender identity. She alleged that they accused her of deception, verbally abused her, physically assaulted her, and forcibly tonsured her. Videos and photographs circulating on social media reportedly show her confined in a room in the presence of in-laws, relatives, and locals.
The situation reportedly worsened when she was taken to a police station amid the family dispute. After receiving information about the incident, members of the Tripura Transgender Welfare Board rushed to the West Agartala Women Police Station and ensured her safety.
Payel Das, a member of the board, alleged that Ishani’s husband failed to support her during the ordeal despite being aware of her identity before marriage. “Her husband did not defend her when she needed his support. We want strict action against those involved in this inhuman act,” Payel said.
The board has urged authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and take appropriate legal action against the accused. Activists argue that the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger implementation of protections under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and greater public awareness about gender identity and human rights.
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As the investigation continues, the case has sparked widespread debate over societal acceptance, marital rights, and the protection of transgender individuals from violence and discrimination.
