Kerala’s First Transgender Bodybuilder Dies, Suicide Suspected; Was Stressed Over Media Reports On Relationship

PRAVEEN Nath, Kerala’s first transgender bodybuilder allegedly committed suicide on Thursday by consuming poison at his residence in Thrissur. He was in his late 20s at the time of his death and had risen to prominence after winning the title of Mr. Kerala in transgender category in 2021.

His body was recovered from his residence in the city’s suburbs and it was taken to Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur, Police officials quoted by PTI said. Nath had recently married his partner on Valentine’s day.

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It is believed that he was allegedly distressed over certain online media reports about his strained relationship with his partner. He had denied that there was any truth in these reports.

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Earlier on Monday, another Transgender person Bebo was killed in Bhiwandi Maharashtra by a man after she refused his sexual advances. The accused person was identified as Kaamil Ansari, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

The 30-year-old accused Ansari used to work as a welder and is a resident of Chavan Colony in the city. Bebo was 32-year-old transgender woman who was also known as Tausif Malik Bhagwan. The two had been living together for the last few months.

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“Prima facie, we suspect that Tausif Malik Bhagwan rejecting sexual advances of the accused might be the reason for the murder,” Chetan Kakde, a senior police inspector was quoted as saying in the report. After Bebo refused to have intercourse with Ansari he got furious and a heated argument broke between the two.

In the fit of rage, Bebo was hit on the head with a tile by Ansari. She was left bleeding. The locals in the area caught Ansari and handed him over to the Police.

“We rushed to spot and arrested the accused and Bebo was taken to IGM Hospital in Bhiwandi where the transgender person was declared dead before admission,” Surpal Barela, assistant police inspector, informed. Ansari was booked under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and was remanded in police custody after being produced in a court.

(With agency inputs)