Bhubaneswar: Transgender fleecing commuters in the city, especially in Khandagiri, have become a major concern for the residents. They alleged that the community has been disturbing them during the night and cops have been silent on the issue.

Tension erupted at Khandagiri Square on Sunday night after a group of transgenders assaulted a local youth after he denied to give money. Later, the youth along with other local residents had staged a road blockade protesting the transgender menace in the area and torched a vehicle.

In September 2013, the police had started a drive to oust the eunuchs around Bhubaneswar railway station area following complaints by passengers and city residents of harassment during late night hours. Subsequently, they were driven away from various areas such as Satya Nagar, Cuttack Road and Rupali Square in various phases until they started soliciting customers in Khandagiri.

"They not only solicit customers on the Kalinga Studio road during night hours but fleece commuters. A number of people visiting two private hospitals in the area are also not spared from them. Though we have been raising the matter for months, the police have become a mute spectator of the nuisance," said Khandaghiri resident Arun Mansingh. Commuters also alleged that several transgender have also been active in the station area and Palasuni area during late night hours.

In June, a Naga Baba,who lived near Khandagiri hills, was allegedly thrashed by a group of transgenders. The matter had come into light after a video of the assault incident became viral on social media. A group of around eight transgenders was seen thrashing the hermit in the video. Later, the police had arrested the accused involved in the assault. Deputy commissioner of police Anup Kumar Sahoo said that Khandagiri police station has been asked to intensify night paroling in the area.

"We have arrested a few of them in recent past. We urge the commuters to lodge complaints," Sahoo said.