In Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanabad district, a tragic incident unfolded where a woman lost her life at the hands of a Tantrik (occultist) who had promised to change her gender so that she could marry her lesbian partner. The police revealed the details of the case, highlighting the series of events that led to the woman’s demise.
The victim, Poonam, resided in the RC Mission police station area and had entered into a same-sex relationship with Preeti, who hailed from Puwayan. However, their relationship became known to others, and Preeti faced obstacles in getting married due to societal pressures. In their pursuit of a solution, Preeti and her mother, Urmila, allegedly sought the help of a Tantrik named Ramnivas, who lived in the Mohammadi area.
Preeti informed the tantrik about Poonam’s desire to change her gender. Seizing this opportunity, Preeti’s mother allegedly made a pact with the tantrik, promising him a payment of Rs 1.5 lakh for killing Poonam. As a token, she initially paid him Rs 5,000, assuring him that the remaining amount would be given once the task was accomplished.
The Incident
The plan unfolded as Preeti contacted Poonam and convinced her that the tantrik had the power to change her gender. Believing this to be true, Poonam left her home on April 18 and subsequently went missing. Concerned for her safety, Poonam’s brother filed a missing persons report on April 26.
Through surveillance efforts, the police discovered that Poonam had been in contact with both Preeti and Ramnivas. Acting on this information, they apprehended Ramnivas, who eventually confessed to the crime during police interrogation. According to his confession, he had taken Poonam to a forest, misleading her into thinking that he would transform her into a man. He instructed her to lie down on the riverbank with her eyes closed, and in that vulnerable moment, he mercilessly slit her neck with a hammer.
After committing the heinous act, the Tantrik concealed Poonam’s body in the bushes and fled the scene. The police managed to recover the murder weapon, a hammer, from the Tantrik’s residence. Both the accused tantrik and Poonam’s friend, Preeti, were subsequently arrested and taken into custody. However, Preeti’s mother, Urmila, remains at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend her as well.
A Reminder to Society
This tragic incident sheds light on the desperate lengths some individuals are willing to go to when faced with societal opposition and the absence of legal recognition for same-sex relationships. The victims in this case, Poonam and Preeti, sought an alternative path to love and happiness, but their pursuit led them into the clutches of an unscrupulous tantrik, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, who often encounter discrimination and resistance from society. This incident underscores the importance of creating an inclusive environment where people can freely express their identities and love without fear of persecution or harm.
The authorities must ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators are held accountable for their heinous actions, sending a strong message that violence and exploitation will not be tolerated, especially against vulnerable individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Lastly, incidents like this emphasize the significance of community solidarity and allyship. Friends, family, and allies must stand together with the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights, and actively working towards creating an inclusive society. Through collective efforts, we can foster a culture of acceptance, respect, and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This tragic event should serve as a wake-up call for society to address the underlying issues that perpetuate discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. By promoting understanding, implementing inclusive policies, and fostering a supportive environment, we can strive towards a future where everyone can live authentically, free from the threat of harm or prejudice.
