Key Points
- Around 24 transgender persons in Indore attempted mass suicide by consuming phenyl after alleged rape and blackmail by two men posing as journalists.
- Victims locked themselves in a room in protest against harassment and threats; all were hospitalized and are reported stable.
- Two accused, Pankaj Jain and Akshay Kumaon, allegedly raped a transgender woman and extorted money while threatening to malign her name.
- Police arrested the leader of a transgender rival faction amid rising tensions and registered FIRs against accused individuals.
- Transgender protesters blocked roads, raised slogans, and warned of further suicides if justice is delayed.
Indore: A disturbing incident has shaken the transgender community in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as around 24 members of the transgender community attempted a mass suicide by consuming phenyl, a floor cleaning chemical, in protest against sexual assault and blackmail by two men posing as journalists. The incident unfolded Wednesday night in the Nandlalpura locality, following escalating tensions between rival transgender factions in the city.
According to police and hospital officials, the transgender persons locked themselves inside a room and consumed the toxic substance, triggering immediate medical emergencies. They were swiftly admitted to Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital (MY Hospital), where doctors confirmed that all patients were currently stable and none were in critical condition. The hospital superintendent, Dr. Basant Kumar Ningwal, and the police worked closely to manage the situation and prevent further harm.
The root of this tragedy lies in the factional dispute between two transgender groups, led by Payal Guru and Sapna Haji, that has long caused strife in Indore’s transgender community. Exploiting this discord, two men, identified as Pankaj Jain and Akshay Kumaon, posed as journalists and approached one rival group. They allegedly demanded money, threatened to tarnish the community’s reputation, and, when refused payment, sexually assaulted one transgender woman.
The rape survivor filed a complaint with the Pandharinath Police Station, which led to FIRs being registered against the accused. Police have launched a manhunt to arrest both men. Meanwhile, the transgender community erupted in protest, blocking roads such as Jawahar Marg, chanting slogans against the accused and faction leaders, and demanding swift justice.
The incident also saw a transgender woman attempting self-immolation by dousing herself with kerosene at the hospital, which was fortunately stopped by vigilant police personnel. Community leaders like Neha Kunwar have vocally condemned the violence, accusing the accused party members of exploiting the transgender community by forcing them into bonded labor and extortion for years.
Responding to the gravity of the protest and allegations, local police have intensified security around transgender community camps and engaged in dialogue to restore peace. The city’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation also met police officials, urging a thorough investigation and action against wrongdoers to prevent further degradation of Indore’s social fabric.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for increased protection, legal safeguards, and social support for transgender persons vulnerable to violence and exploitation. The community continues to call for justice and reforms to ensure dignity and safety for all its members.
