Mangaluru: No link to ‘Ani Mangaluru’ case; Navahasaja organisation demands comprehensive probe into fake ID racket

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 14, 2026: The Navahasaja Community Organisation has clarified that it has no connection with the ‘Ani Mangaluru’ case and has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged fake transgender identity card racket.

Condemning incidents where fake documents are being created in the name of the gender minority community to misuse government benefits and spread misinformation, the organisation addressed a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club. It demanded strict legal action against those who obtained fake identity cards and those who facilitated the process.

Speaking at the press meet, organisation president Nikhila said, “Ani, originally from Raichur, has been living in Mangaluru for the past 4–5 years. She brought an unknown person from Mysuru, whom she met on social media, to Mangaluru. Without informing the organisation, she allegedly helped that person obtain a fake Aadhaar card using a Mangaluru address and secured a National Transgender Identity Card by submitting false information to the Women’s Development Corporation. The individual has now fled to Mysuru and is spreading misinformation about the Mangaluru community on social media. Our organisation has no connection with this matter.”

She further stated, “During a recent district-level meeting, it came to light that around 50 people had received TG cards, and we suspect that many of these could be fake. This is causing injustice to genuine members of the community who already face identity struggles. Fake cards are being obtained to earn easy money, often through begging. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed verification in coordination with the Women’s Development Corporation. Whoever is found guilty must be punished after a proper investigation.”

Nikhila also expressed concern over the growing presence of outsiders. “Earlier, only locals were part of the community in Mangaluru, but now people from other districts and Hindi-speaking groups are increasing. Many are posing as transgender persons at traffic signals to earn money easily, often operating in groups under a ‘guru’. Some individuals, despite having families, have obtained TG cards. This is creating problems for genuine members. While we have stopped collection activities, these fake groups are bringing a bad name to us,” she said.

She added that although Ani was a board member of the organisation, she had concealed information about issuing an ID card to a person from Nanjangud. “A detailed investigation is needed to identify those who supported her illegal activities. She is falsely claiming that her ID card was lost—if so, why wasn’t a complaint filed? The entire community should not suffer due to the actions of a few. Justice must be ensured for genuine transgender persons in Dakshina Kannada district,” Nikhila asserted.