Transperson cop attempts suicide over harassment

 A 22-year-old transperson police constable, who became the first person from the third gender in Ramanathapuram district to don the khakhi, attempted suicide on Monday night over alleged harassment at workplace.

R Nasriya, who joined the District’s Armed Reserve police in August this year, allegedly consumed rat poison at the staff quarters in Ramanathapuram at around 9 pm.

A video clip, which circulated on social media, showed her mixing the poison with water before consuming it.

Ahead of this, Nasriya alleged that Reserve Inspector of Police Muthuramalingam, Special Sub Inspector of Police Jeyaseelan and Senior Writer Parthiban had spoken ill of her discipline and character.

“This has caused mental agony to me. I don’t like to live. These three men will be the cause for my death. I will die tonight and am sharing this video clip on WhatsApp with friends. Please ensure punishment for those who forced me to take this extreme step,” she is heard telling in the video, which lasts for about a minute and 48 seconds.

When contacted, Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police Omprakash Meena said Nasriya had joined duty on Monday after taking a month’s leave without availing permission from the department.

“While on leave, Nasriya had submitted a petition to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) claiming that she was ill-treated. She is reported to have said that the three policemen teased her, uttered abusive words and passed casteist remarks against her. Having considered her grievance, Nasriya was transferred to the passport section. She did not face any issues in the section, but suddenly attempted suicide on Monday night,” he said. The Ramanathapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Natarajan has been deputed to probe into the issue and submit a report.

Nasriya is currently under treatment at the Ramanathapuram Government Hospital. Her condition is said to be stable. Hospital sources said the cop would be discharged in another two or three days.

Police sources said Nasriya went on leave for a period of 15 days without prior permission during her training period in Tiruchy.