Transwoman living in MP for 8 years turns out to be a man from Bangladesh: Report

Authorities are now medically verifying his gender to ascertain whether he is biologically transgender or if this identity was solely a cover to evade detection. (Representational image: Grok)

The Bhopal Police have detained a Bangladeshi national, Abdul Kalam, who allegedly lived under the false identity of "Neha," a transgender individual, in Madhya Pradesh for eight years. Investigations reveal that he managed to acquire crucial Indian documents, including an Aadhaar card, ration card, and even a passport, all using forged papers with the assistance of local agents. The discovery has raised significant concerns about identity fraud, illegal immigration, and potential national security implications, NDTV reported.

Kalam, who reportedly entered India at the age of 10 and spent two decades in Mumbai before settling in Bhopal's Budhwara area, is accused of adopting a transgender identity and becoming an active member of the local hijra community. Police sources indicate that Abdul not only maintained this fake identity within India but also traveled abroad using the forged Indian passport. He frequently changed residences within the Budhwara locality and was known to everyone simply as "Neha." Authorities are now medically verifying his gender to ascertain whether he is biologically transgender or if this identity was solely a cover to evade detection.

The police suspect Kalam's involvement in transgender activities in Maharashtra as well, prompting questions about whether his disguise was part of a larger, more organised network. Investigators are probing whether other members of the transgender community were complicit in the fraud or unknowingly aided him.

Additional DCP Shalini Dixit confirmed the development and told NDTV, "He has been living in Bhopal for the last 8-10 years. Before that, he was in Maharashtra. We received a tip-off through an informer and initiated the identification process. He has also travelled to Bangladesh in the meantime, and we are awaiting reports from concerned departments."