CHENNAI: The Government Railway Police have begun a drive against people, including transgenders , found extorting money from train passengers or on railway platforms.

The initiative follows the death of bank cashier Srinivasan, 52, on Friday night after he was beaten up by 19-year-old transgender Sangeetha alias Vignesh at Minjur station. He allegedly refused to give the transgender money.

“Our intention is not to target transgenders. But, if we find them disturbing train commuters, we will take action against them,” said inspector-general of police (GRP) Seema Agarwal.

Members of six special teams headed by assistant commissioners of police V Ponramu (Egmore) and ‘Thillai’ M Natarajan (Chennai Central) will travel on suburban and express trains to sensitise passengers about the initiative and urge them to call Central station control room number 9962 500 500 for help.

The transgender arrested for killing Srinivasan at Minjur told police she was angry because he pulled her blouse. While it was first thought that around six transgenders assaulted Srinivasan, the Korrukupet Railway Police on Saturday said only Sangeetha was involved.

“Sangeetha was seeking money as usual when she approached Srinivasan who scolded her for begging. The accused says she avoided him and approaching other passengers but that Srinivasan continued to abuse her,” said a police officer.

Sangeetha told police Srinivasan pulled her jacket when they got off at Minjur station around 9pm and bit on her fingers.

Angered, Sangeetha started beating Srinivasan who collapsed on the platform. RPF constable Mahesh, who was on the spot, offered Srinivasan water and arranged for an ambulance to take him to a nearby hospital but he died on the way.

Police arrested Sangeetha and remanded her in judicial custody.

Srinivasan, who is survived by his wife Lakshmi and two sons and two daughters, lived in Ponneri and it is not known why travelled up to Minjur. His body was handed over to his family on Saturday.

