Two days after sprinter Dutee Chand made public her same-sex relationship, the athlete alleged that she was forced to do so as her elder sister was blackmailing her money.
Dutee, India’s national record holder in 100m, had revealed that she was in a same-sex relationship with a girl from her hometown Chaka Gopalpur in Odisha.
"My own sister is blackmailing me, she asked me for Rs 25 lakh. She had once beaten me, I'd reported to the police. Since she was blackmailing me, I was forced to come out about my relationship," Dutee told ANI.
The Asian Games silver medallist also said that her sister had beaten her once, and she had reported the matter to the police.
Her sister, however, said that Dutee's partner "pressurised and blackmailed" her for wealth and property.
"With great sorrow, I have to say that the decision taken by Dutee [to reveal her same-sex relationship] is not of her own. She's been pressurised and blackmailed into marriage by that girl [Dutee's partner] and her family to grab Dutee's wealth," her sister said.
"Dutee's life and property are in danger. That's why I request the government to provide protection and security to her," she said.
Soon after the revelation, Dutee was expelled from the family. Her mother Akhoji Chand told ANI that she cannot accept her daughter's relationship.
"Dutee wants to marry a girl, who is the daughter of my niece. She is like my granddaughter. So, Dutee will be like the mother of that girl. Then how will it be possible in our society in Odisha," she said.
The sprinter said that the Supreme Court's historic order to decriminalise Section 377 in September last year had given her the courage to speak up for LGBT rights and about her relationship.
“I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court of India has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want,” Dutee said.
Dutee's decision to come out was hailed on social media. On Tuesday, popular Hollywood comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres came out in support of the athlete.
DeGeneres, who came out as a homosexual over two decades ago on national TV, said she was proud of the Indian sprinter.
