Tamil Nadu: First Ever Indian Transgender Cop Takes Charge In Chennai

K Prithika Yashini, India’s first transgender police officer, took charge as a sub-inspector of police at Choolaimedu Police Station on 9 October, reports The New Indian Express. She was part of the batch of 111 sub-inspectors, who finished training and took charge in police stations across the city.

It was after the petition of Prithika Yashini, who donned the Khaki in 2015 as the first trans-woman Sub-Inspector based on a court order, that Tamil Nadu had started to recruit transgenders in the police force of the state.

Inspector J Shivakumar, who heads the Choolaimedu Police Station, reportedly said there are no biases that exist in the police station – not by gender.

Her colleagues at the new workplace wished her well and promised her cooperation. On her first day at work, she was explained about the jurisdiction and nature of her work in the law and order wing.

Her struggle is an inspiration for all of us; here’s a look at her arduous nevertheless victorious journey.

A look back

A native of Salem, Yashini was born as Pradeep Kumar to Kalai Arasan and Sumathi. Yashini’s father is an auto driver.

Yashini left home as a 21-year-old and worked with an NGO before she joined the Tamil Nadu police as an SI, thanks to the intervention of Madras high court. After training at the Police Academy, she was posted in Dharmapuri in March 2016 for practical training.

Ysshini’s application got rejected by the state police department due to lack of provision and guidelines (for physical fitness & interview)for the third gender. The setbacks did not stop her in furthering her ambition.

After a considerably lengthy legal discourse, the court paved the way for Yashini to be appointed as sub-inspector. The judgement came after a series of writ petitions from her which resulted in her cut off marks being re-considered among other minor re-considerations.

A ruling by two judges in Chennai’s High Court said that the social impact of such a recruitment cannot be lost sight of and this decision would strengthen the case of transgenders.

The Transgender Persons Protection Of Rights, Bill passed in April 2016 provided transgender people with quotas in jobs and education in line with other minorities, as well as essential amenities. The apex court of the country has also recognised transgender as the third gender.

Yashini taking charge as a sub-inspector of police is a step ahead not just for the transgender community but the society as well which ostracises all those who live on the periphery of the society. The Logical Indian community wishes Yashini all the best on her future endeavours and hopes that the move by the Tamil Nadu government serves as a precedent more many such inclusive gestures.