Married transgender's life is hell as husband refuses to live with her

Visakhapatnam: Overcoming social stigma, Chandaka Deepika (Merugu Deepika), a transgender person tied the knot with her boyfriend, Chandaka Suresh on October 2017. But her happiness was short-lived as Suresh refused to live with Deepika citing that she is not a female.

Deepika has now approached the police and the court seeking justice. She also met some political leaders. She has also gained sympathy and support from the third-gender community.

Deepika, 27, a native of Kakinada in East Godavari, has been residing at Pedawaltair area in Vizag city for the past few years. She earned a living by attending inaugurations of shops, weddings, and naming of children.

Suresh, a resident of Sivajipalem in the city, fell in love with Deepika in 2015 aware of what she is. After being in love for two years, they got married in Kakinada according to traditional rituals.

Deepika said, “At the time of marriage, Suresh had accepted Rs 6 lakh and over 50 gms of gold jewellery as dowry. Later, I gave him over Rs 4 lakh to support him in his business and to construct a new house.”

However, her dreams to settle with him shattered within a few months after the marriage.

Deepika said, “Like all girls of my age, I also wanted to settle down with a man. With my marriage, my dreams came true, and I got a chance to start anew. However, my marital life turned into a nightmare with Suresh, and his parents harassed me physically and mentally for an additional dowry of Rs 5 lakh. Suresh and his parents branded me a cheat. But the fact is Suresh was aware that I am a hijra.”

“I was thrown out of the house and branded. Despite repeated requests, Suresh and his family are not allowing me into their house. Being a Hijra, I can’t give birth to children and make him father. I asked him to marry another girl and requested him to let me live with him. But, my pleas have fallen deaf ears,” Deepika adds.

After she was turned down, Deepika approached the women’s police station in Vizag city and complained Suresh and his family members. The women’s police station has registered a case against Suresh and his family members under Sections 498 (A) and 420 of the IPC and Section 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act in August 2018.

Recently, Suresh and his family members were arrested and released on bail. Presently, the case is pending with the District Court in Vizag, and the trial for the case will start soon.

Deepika said, “Suresh has been trying to join the ruling YSR Congress to influence the case. We have requested the YSR Congress leaders in Vizag city to remove Suresh from the party as he is an accused in the case. I am hoping that the court will give a landmark judgment to punish Suresh.”

Also Read: https://newsmeter.in/mba-graduate-ends-life-over-dowry-harassment-from-husband/