In a shocking incident, Gopi Shankar Madurai, an intersex activist and the south representative of National Council for Transger Persons, was brutally attacked by unidentified persons in New Delhi on 12 November 2022.
According to reports, the incident happened on the night of 12th November when Gopi was taking a stroll in Karol Bagh after dinner.
He was reportedly surrounded by 6-7 people who had asked him for money. When he refused, they abused him and physically assaulted him, a Delhi Police officer was quoted saying in a report.
Gopi has severe injuries on his eyes, face and hands. He has been hospitalized and had undergone 2 minor surgies, according to sources close to him.
A case under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC has been registered.
Intersex, a regional network of intersex activists and organization issued a statement condemning the violence meted out against Gopi.
“We strongly condemn the brutal attack inflicted on them by six unidentified men in Delhi. An attack of this nature against a prominent activist in the capital city is likely to have a chilling effect on future activism in the country. We are deeply concerned about the safety and security of intersex activists in India.”, the statement read.
“Gopi Shankar has been threatened by physical violence and attacked several times since 2021 and has even previously asked for intervention from the central government. This was the fifth instance of violence against them. The first four instances took place in the state of Tamil Nadu. India has witnessed several major progressive reforms recognizing the rights of people with diverse SOGIESC identities, including the intersex community. It is profoundly worrying that attacks against intersex activists continue even after law enforcement agencies have been put on notice.”, the statement said.
The organization has demanded a speedy investigation and has urged the National Commission for Human Rights to look into the matter.
Statement: Intersex Asia condemns violence against Gopi Shankar Madurai and calls for the protection of intersex activists
Read the full statement here: https://t.co/5S1RUwh1Qs#IntersexAsia #Intersex #ProtectIntersexActivists pic.twitter.com/LrL5WjDYBw
— Intersex Asia (@IntersexAsia) November 14, 2022
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