Clash between two transgender groups turns violent in Odisha’s Bhadrak; over 10 injured

An alleged dispute between two transgender groups in Bhadrak district escalated into violence on Tuesday, leaving more than ten people injured and triggering tension outside the Bhadrak Town Police Station.

According to allegations, the incident occurred near Dagarsahi in the Charampa area when members of one transgender group were returning home and were allegedly attacked by members of the rival group using sharp weapons.

The dispute had reportedly been simmering for several days, with members of the community earlier gathering at the town police station to raise concerns over the ongoing conflict.

Injuries Reported, Victims Seek Police Action

Sources informed that more than ten transgender persons sustained injuries in the attack. The injured reportedly suffered wounds on the head, back, ears and other parts of the body. They later reached the town police station seeking medical assistance, protection and legal action.

Following the incident, tension prevailed outside the police station as members of the community staged a protest, alleging failure of the authorities to act despite repeated complaints.

Allegations of Threats, Organised Attack

One member of the transgender community alleged that the violence was linked to earlier opposition raised against alleged illegal activities.

“They are employing transgender people in a sex racket. We opposed and protested this. In retaliation, they deployed several men who had been threatening us to leave our homes. Today, those men attacked one of us, tonsured their head and snatched away jewellery,” the protester alleged.

Another protester claimed that warnings had been given to the police well before the incident.
“We had approached the police multiple times and informed them about the threats. No action was taken against those men, which emboldened them,” the protester said. “We want to know if we will be safe once we return home and whether our safety will be ensured.”

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Demand to Remove Outsiders

During the protest, demands were raised to take action against individuals allegedly coming from outside the state and attempting to displace transgender persons currently residing in the area. The protesters claimed the conflict had intensified due to repeated threats and intimidation.

Police officials said the matter is under investigation and that statements from the injured are being recorded. No comments on the allegations raised by the complainants could be obtained from the police.