In the flesh: Cops turn blind eye to sex trade
The rhythmic clapping of transgenders is unmistakable even in the din of the crowded and noisy Majestic. It's 2.30 on a cloudy afternoon in the area, where prostitutes are known to solicit customers even in broad daylight. Obavva Pade, an all- women police squad, launched in May, has been touted as the answer to the daytime soliciting in the Majestic. But members of the squad are seen sitting and chatting together in a corner, seemingly oblivious to the soliciting of customers taking place around them.
At first glance, the groups of women huddled in street corners nearby, smiling and laughing, appear to be just friends hanging out together, but the subtle leaning over and whispering into the ears of passing men give them away. It's clear that soliciting is under way, but it appears to escape the notice of the squad. Another woman appears, her saree draped conservatively, and strolls towards a small shopping complex. As she pretends to do some window shopping, a man comes in view. "Rs 500," she whispers. The man leaves without another word. This deal obviously didn't make it. But the woman doesn't have to wait too long. Five minutes later, another man, who has been watching from a distance and noting her conversation with the man who just left, takes his place. It’s hard to hear the conversation that transpires, but money changes hands and they part ways. The woman then walks towards the bus stand and flags an auto. As she jumps in , her client appears and gets in beside her. This deal was clearly successful.
A short distance away, her friends mill around the lounge for KIA commuters. Their laughter is interrupted by a phone call. One of the women speaks hurriedly into her phone and they all scatter quickly . Soon after they disperse, police sirens are heard. A tip- off that worked!
But if there are women who keep their side of the deal there are others, there to promise and scoot with the “advance” . They are the notorious “burkha gang” often found near the Maharaja complex and Abhinay Talkies. Like other women soliciting in the Majestic, they collect an advance, promising to meet their clients at a designated spot. Once they have the money, the women make a run for it, with no intention of “honouring” the deal. It’s the perfect crime as no potential client dares to approach the police. The money collected ranges from ` 400 to ` 700, say locals.
And then there are the transgenders who also solicit men, many of whom dread their approach. But while they can all be spotted without much of an effort, the Obavva Pade doesn’t seem to notice them.
PROSTITUTION CANNOT BE PUT TO AN END, BANNING IT WILL ONLY PULL PEOPLE TOWARDS IT, INSTEAD WE SHOULD CONTROL IT BY LEGALISING IT AND BY GIVING THEM A SPECIFIC AREA. WE SHOULD GIVE THEM LICENCE AND CONDUCT REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK UPS ON THEM. WE SHOULD CONDUCT MORE AWARENESS PROGRAMME AND EDUCATE THEM ABOUT HOW THEIR HEALTH WOULD BE AFFECTED.” — Santosh Hegde, former Lokayukta