What was once seen mainly in Delhi and Mumbai is now becoming common in Hyderabad. Groups of hijras have started visiting homes during housewarmings or the birth of a baby, demanding money in exchange for blessings.
These visits are not by invitation. They seem to have their own network that alerts them to new events. Recently, more such groups have been arriving in large numbers and asking for high amounts. When denied, they use abusive language, make threats, or behave aggressively until they get the money. Similar incidents have been reported at traffic signals and in trains.
A recent case in Balaji Nagar, Cheeriyal, on the Hyderabad–Keesara outskirts, turned violent. During his housewarming ceremony, homeowner Sadanandam was attacked after refusing to pay Rs 1 lakh. The group allegedly brought more hijras and assaulted his family members, leaving him seriously injured.
Police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident.
