Indore shocker: 24 transgenders attempt suicide, demand arrest of rape accused

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A shocking incident unfolded in Indore on Wednesday night when 24 transgender persons allegedly attempted mass suicide by consuming a floor cleaning substance in protest, demanding the arrest of two men accused of raping a trans woman.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anand Kaladgi said the incident occurred around 8:30 PM in the Nandlalpura area, where members of the transgender community reside. Those who consumed the cleaner were immediately taken to Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital.

“We received information about a situation of ruckus at a house in Nandlalpura where transgender persons reside. Our senior officers promptly arrived at the scene. They learned that some of the individuals had consumed an unknown substance, causing several of them to fall ill. Ambulances were immediately called, and twenty-four people were admitted to the nearby hospital. They are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition. Once their health improves, their statements will be recorded and the reason for the incident will be known,” DCP Kaladgi told reporters.

He added, “We will investigate the reasons behind 24 people consuming phenyl, which is a floor cleaning material.”

When asked if the incident was linked to an earlier dispute between two factions, the DCP said, “We also visited the transgender dera (gathering) and controlled the situation. They were attempting to block the road, but we convinced them through dialogue.”

DCP Kaladgi, however, clarified that the suicide attempt was separate from another case in which two men were accused of raping a trans person. “That is a different matter,” he said.

According to Neha Kunwar, associated with the Nandlalpura “Kinnar” dera, two individuals identified as Akshay Kumaon and Pankaj Jain, who allegedly posed as journalists, raped and blackmailed a trans woman. “Akshay Kumayu and Pankaj Jain (fake journalists) started blackmailing us and raped one individual. It happened three months ago. Even Kinnars are not safe. Are we not humans? They also looted Rs 1.5 lakh from the victim,” Kunwar alleged.

As news of the mass suicide attempt spread, members of the transgender community gathered at the hospital, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Tensions escalated when some reportedly tried to pour kerosene and set themselves ablaze inside the hospital, but police intervened and foiled the attempt.

Meanwhile, the police confirmed that two men have been booked for allegedly raping a trans person. Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya identified the accused as Akshay and Pankaj, stating that they used to blackmail the victim while posing as journalists.

“The victim belongs to the Kinnar society. The victim has said that the two (accused), Akshay and Pankaj, who claimed to be journalists, used to threaten her that they would defame her and an FIR would be registered against her, as happened in the case of her gurus, who used to do Hindu-Muslim. On June 12, the accused went to the dera. The accused Pankaj assaulted the victim, sexually and physically,” Additional DCP Dandotiya said.

(Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Those struggling with mental health issues are urged to seek help from professionals. The ‘Disha’ helpline offers free counselling and support services. You can call them at 1056 or 0471-2552056.)