Extortion by fake transgenders on Hyderabad's ORR service roads and toll gates

HYDERABAD: Toll gates on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), and on the Keesara, Ghatkesar, Shamirpet, Warangal and Srisailam routes, where motorists are forced to halt, have become the new spots for individuals pretending to be transgenders and demanding alms.

A commuter, Kiran, who uses the Ghatkesar entry and exit gates said: "These are fake transgenders and use aggressive tactics like blocking traffic and pressuring us to pay."

When given no money, they leave the place after abusing the motorist in vulgar language and cursing them. Kiran added, "This individual approached me near Ghatkesar and they pestered me for money. When I talked back, retreated."

A devotee, who was going to Srisailam, told Deccan Chronicle: "I was struggling with the FastTag and was already annoyed when these people appeared. They sweet-talked me at first, but started abusing me when they realised I would not pay them."

These gangs are also said to harass residents those who are holding family celebrations. The green mango leaves, shamanias and other paraphernalia attract them. Supermarkets and shopping complexes are also not spared.

Police sometimes pick up some gang members, but they return to the roads when they are released.