Navi Mumbai: An anti-encroachment drive carried out by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in Rabale took a dramatic turn on July 28 when a group of transgender individuals allegedly resisted the action, assaulted municipal officers and created a public disturbance. The situation escalated further at the police station, where five individuals were booked for attacking police personnel and obstructing government work.
What Exactly Happened?
The incident occurred near the Rabale police station, where a vacant government-owned plot had reportedly been illegally occupied by a group of transgender people over the past few months. According to local residents, the group often caused nuisance in the area, including forcibly begging from passersby, consuming alcohol in public and creating disturbances. Based on repeated complaints, the NMMC decided to act and clear the encroachment.
Given the anticipated resistance, a joint team of municipal officials and both male and female police officers was deployed. As the team reached the site on July 28, around 10–12 transgender individuals began shouting at the officials in aggressive language, obstructing the drive and creating chaos. According to a Loksatta report, individuals allegedly using obscene gestures and blocking the road to gather a crowd.
Despite repeated warnings, the group continued disrupting the operation. Eventually, five individuals, identified as Archana Pathak, Tiya Naik, Akshata Guru, Akanksha Patil, and Priya Tripathi, were taken into custody by women police officers and brought to the Rabale police station.
API Injured After Transgender Individual Leaps On Him
However, the situation worsened at the police station, where the same behaviour reportedly continued. According to police officials, when Assistant Police Inspector Avinash Palde attempted to calm the situation, one of the accused suddenly lunged at him, causing him minor injuries. An investigation later revealed that some of the individuals had prior criminal records.
On July 29, Rabale Police registered a formal FIR against the five under sections related to obstruction of government work, verbal abuse and assault. Notices have been issued to the accused as per legal procedure.
