Guwahati Police have arrested 22 transgender persons during a coordinated operation across the city following multiple public complaints alleging extortion, criminal intimidation and vulgar activities at traffic junctions and public events.

Addressing the media on Friday, Guwahati Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain said that the operation was conducted by teams constituted under all three district Deputy Commissioners of Police.

Jain stated that the police action was carried out in accordance with the judgments of the Supreme Court and the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the handling of transgender-related issues.

He clarified that criminal activities would not be tolerated irrespective of an individual's gender identity. He further maintained that the police had followed the prescribed guidelines while conducting the operation.

The Joint Police Commissioner further said that officers had been specifically assigned to handle cases involving transgender persons, taking into account whether the individuals identified as transgender men or transgender women.

Jain confirmed that a total of 22 transgender persons had been apprehended and subsequently produced before the court.

Responding to questions about allegations that some individuals were falsely claiming transgender identity, Jain said the police had asked those arrested to produce certificates issued by the designated committee.

He added that the certificates and identity documents submitted by the individuals would be verified to establish their authenticity.

The police maintained that the operation was carried out in compliance with the applicable legal provisions and prescribed guidelines.