‘Extortion’ by eunuchs triggers protest

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 10

Residents of Model Town, Phase 1, today staged a protest against eunuchs for allegedly demanding a hefty sum money as ‘shagun’ from people. 

Neelam Rani Sharma, a widow, who residents at her parent’s house, said her younger brother’s wife gave birth to a boy at home. “The eunuchs residing nearby turned up yesterday when we were alone and demanded Rs 1.65 lakh as shagun. Since we didn’t have money, we gave them Rs 500. But they said that they will come again on Tuesday to take the money,” she said.

Another resident, Amarjeet Kaur, said after her grandson’s birth five months ago, three eunuchs demanded Rs 31,000 from her. Since her husband was away, she asked them to come after sometime. But they didn’t budge, so I had to given them Rs 1,100. According to her, they turned up again after a few days and took away Rs 17,000, a ring, watch and a suit from her. Despite this, they came once again after the return of her busband and took away Rs 5,000 from him.

Niranjan Sharma, a resident of Model Town, said his family makes its both ends meet with Rs 10,000 that he gets as pension. “After my grandson’s birth last month, eunuchs refused to accept Rs 5,100 and eventually took away Rs 11,000 besides misbehaving with us,” he said.

Rupinder Singh Gondara of Model Town said, “No one opposed them in the past, but they demanded Rs 1.65 lakh from a woman yesterday. After that, other people came forward to narrate their ordeal.”

“We will meet Deputy Commissioner, IGP and SSP tomorrow and demand strict action against them. Many such incidents have taken place in the area,” he added.