Police in India are investigating a shocking incident where a young man from Sanjak village in Uttar Pradesh woke up in a hospital to find he had been subjected to a non-consensual sex change operation. The 20-year-old, known only as Mujahid, claims he was deceived by a man named Omprakash, who convinced him that he needed urgent medical treatment.
Mujahid was admitted to Muzaffarnagar Medical College, where on June 3, a team of doctors performed surgery on him. When he regained consciousness, he discovered that his genitals had been removed. “When I regained consciousness, I was told that I had been changed from a boy to a girl,” Mujahid recounted, according to NDTV.
The incident is said to be the culmination of a two-year campaign of threats and harassment by Omprakash, although the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear. Omprakash allegedly told Mujahid that he must now live with him, claiming that Mujahid would be ostracized by his community. Furthermore, Omprakash threatened to kill Mujahid’s father and seize his share of the family land.
“He said, ‘I changed you from a man to a woman and now you have to live with me. I have prepared a lawyer and a court marriage for you. Now I will shoot your father, and the land of your share will be named after me. Then I will sell it and go to Lucknow,’” Mujahid recalled.
Contrary to Omprakash’s threats, Mujahid found support within his community. Local farmers’ union workers organized a protest at the medical college, demanding immediate legal and criminal action against Omprakash and the doctors involved in the surgery. The protest highlighted the community’s outrage and their demand for justice.
Following the outcry, local police arrested Omprakash and launched an investigation into the doctors involved in the operation. Mujahid’s family has also filed a lawsuit, claiming that the incident has severely affected his life. “All the allegations made by the family and the protestors will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate legal actions will be taken against those found guilty,” assured Senior Muzaffarnagar police officer Ramashish Yadav.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting serious issues of medical ethics, consent, and abuse of power. It underscores the need for stringent regulations and oversight in medical practices to prevent such horrifying incidents from occurring. The investigation is ongoing, with the police determined to ensure that justice is served for Mujahid and his family.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about patient rights and the importance of informed consent in medical procedures. It also brings to light the vulnerabilities of individuals who may be manipulated or coerced into medical treatments without their full understanding or agreement. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for medical ethics and legal standards in India.