A young resident of Muzaffarnagar has approached the police with allegations of forced gender reassignment and religious conversion, prompting an official investigation into the claims. The complainant, now known as Palak, was previously identified as Avinash and lived in Almaspur. According to Palak, life had been stable initially, and he supported his family by performing female roles in bhajans, kirtans, and jagarans. The performances, he said, were his main source of income. Palak was married for a brief period, but the marriage ended in divorce, which he attributed to disagreements over his wearing of female attire during performances.
Palak alleges that in 2016, he met Nazim Bano, whom he described as the operator of a transgender community camp. According to the complaint, Palak was offered the possibility of earning between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 per day by joining the group. He claimed that over time, he faced increasing psychological pressure and was eventually taken to Delhi, where he says he was compelled to undergo a gender reassignment procedure.
Muzaffarnagar, UP: Palak (earlier Avinash) alleges Accused Nazim Bano lured her with job in 2016, mentally coerced for gender change surgery in Delhi & pressured to accept his faith.
After exposing, he is now getting death threats!
Police complaint states organised gang is… pic.twitter.com/81jUA61ENP
— Treeni (@treeni) November 19, 2025
Following this, Palak alleges that the pressure shifted toward religious conversion. He stated that he was asked to recite Islamic prayers, change his eating habits, and participate in practices unfamiliar to him. According to the complaint, Palak believed that a larger organised network was involved, allegedly targeting young individuals by offering income and later compelling them to undergo gender changes and adopt a new religion. The police have not confirmed any of these allegations and have stated that verification is ongoing.
Palak also described a period in Rajasthan, where he went in search of safety and attempted to join the security forces. He alleged that individuals connected to those he had associated with earlier tracked his movements, contacted members of the local transgender community, and pressured them either to return him or settle alleged financial dues related to his stay in the camp. Palak claimed that during this time, he continued to face threats, leaving him in a state of constant fear.
Unable to find stability in Rajasthan, Palak eventually returned to Muzaffarnagar. According to his complaint, the threats did not stop even after his return. He approached the New Mandi police station seeking protection and legal action. Palak has appealed not only to the police but also to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging them to investigate the claims thoroughly and examine the assets and activities of those he has accused.
The Muzaffarnagar police confirmed that a complaint has been filed and that an investigation is underway. Officials said that the allegations are being verified and that further action will be taken only after the facts are established.
