Tripura Transgender Welfare Board seeks action in alleged abuse of trans woman

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 3, 2026

The Tripura Transgender Welfare Board has sought legal action against the in-laws of a trans woman who allegedly faced physical and mental abuse after her gender identity became known to her husband’s family.

According to members of the Board, the woman, identified as Ishani Das, was subjected to harassment and assault after her in-laws accused her of concealing her biological identity prior to marriage. The family allegedly claimed that she had deceived them by presenting herself as female.

Recounting her account of events, Ishani said she met her husband, identified as Akash Das, through social media and that they were in a relationship for nearly six years before marriage. She maintained that she had disclosed her gender identity to him from the outset and had not concealed any aspect of her background.

Born as Nayan Das, she said she later adopted the name Ishani following her transition. She left her parental home in Agartala after her family became aware of her sexual orientation and subsequently moved to Mumbai, where she worked at a beauty parlour. Her parents continue to reside in the Camperbazar area of Agartala, while her husband is a resident of Mohanpur in West Tripura district.

Ishani alleged that she was initially reluctant to marry, anticipating opposition from relatives and society, but claimed her husband insisted and threatened self-harm if she refused. She said she left her job in Mumbai and returned to Agartala, where the marriage was solemnised. According to her, the relationship remained normal for a few days until her in-laws learned about her gender identity.

Videos and photographs that surfaced on social media purportedly show her confined in a room in the presence of relatives and local residents. She alleged that she was verbally abused, physically assaulted and forcibly tonsured before being taken to a police station.

Following information about the incident, members of the Tripura Transgender Welfare Board reached the West Agartala Women Police Station and intervened. Payel Das, a member of the Board, alleged that the husband was aware of Ishani’s identity prior to the marriage but did not support her during the incident.

The Board has urged police to conduct an impartial investigation and take strict action against those involved. “We want stringent legal action in this inhuman act. No one should face violence or humiliation because of their gender identity,” a Board member said.

Police have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the matter.

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