Beed district's Majalgaon has found itself on the map in a matter of days, and the reason isn't completely simple or conventional — its constable Lalita Salve and her fight for securing a nod for a sex reassignment surgery while retaining her job. If you thought the small village would shy away from offering support, there's news for you. Majalgaon's men, women, children and police personnel are clear: whatever the gender, they want their fiery constable back on the job, and they are doing whatever they can in their capacity to ensure it.

Salve's brother Balu and father Madhukar outside their home in Rajegaon village in Beed district. Pics/Sameer Markande