Mumbai: Minors behind transgender’s murder, cops suspect

Mastud loved wearing heavy jewellery; murder initially raised suspicions of robbery

A day after a 36-year-old trans person was killed in full public view in Goregaon West, Bangur Nagar police have identified three suspects believed to be aged between 17 and 19 years. They are also looking for a friend of the victim Suresh Mastud, alias Surya, ruling out the earlier robbery angle.

Sources in the police department said they are not rushing to arrest the suspects since one or two of them could be minors. They said Mastud's murder appears to be a case of contract killing using juveniles, who cannot be confined beyond three years under the law.

Sharing the details, an officer from Bangur Nagar police station said Mastud, who was into social work, was to meet two persons at Rehmania restaurant. "The two are into real estate business and run a non-profit. They wanted Mastud to join them for social work," said the officer.

Mastud arrived at the location on an Activa scooter along with a friend named Rajesh Yadav. "After the meeting, the two were walking towards their two-wheeler when three persons attacked Mastud. One hit him with a hammer on the head, another slammed his hammer on Mastud's chest, while the third person stabbed him in the chest and stomach. The attackers then fled the spot," added the officer.

Mastud was fond of gold and often had heavy jewellery on him. The police initially suspected the attack might be linked to the valuables, but they said on Thursday that all his gold items were intact. While Mastud was being attacked, the police said, Yadav escaped and later switched off his phone. The police have launched a manhunt for him. There has been confusion about Mastud's gender. The police said they have learnt that he lived with wife and child.