Transgender person stabbed to death near Pipili, Police launch investigation

A transgender person was brutally stabbed to death near CIFA under the jurisdiction of Pipili police station on the outskirts of Odisha's Bhubaneswar on Sunday night, triggering panic and concern within the transgender community.

The deceased has been identified as Anjali. According to police sources, Anjali was found lying in a pool of blood with critical injuries. Her companions immediately rushed her to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where doctors declared her dead. Anjali was reportedly a native of Salepur and had been residing in Bhubaneswar for some time.

Investigation Underway

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident. The motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. As part of the probe, police have seized the victim’s mobile phone and are analysing call detail records. CCTV footage from areas around CIFA and nearby establishments is also being examined to trace the accused.

Confirming the incident, Pipili police station IIC Soumyendu Sekhar Tripathy said police received information about a transgender person lying injured near CIFA. “Our team immediately reached the spot and shifted her to Capital Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. We are examining phone records and other evidence. Strict action will be taken against those involved,” he said. He further added that the victim had recently joined the group, and police are verifying whether there was any previous enmity.

Statements From Friends

Friends of the deceased have shared chilling details of the incident. One of her companions said she received a phone call from Anjali around 8:17 pm. “She told me that two people had attacked her with sharp weapons and asked me to inform the Guru. She was unable to speak further, and the call got disconnected,” the friend said.

Another companion stated that they reached the spot around 9:30 pm after receiving information. “She was alive but severely injured and asked for water. We arranged an ambulance and took her to the hospital, but the doctors declared her dead,” the companion said.

Meanwhile, transgender rights activist and member of the National Council for Transgender Persons, Meera Parida, reached Capital Hospital and demanded immediate action. She expressed concern over the incident and urged police to expedite the investigation. “If the crime occurred near CIFA, CCTV cameras should help identify the culprits. They must be arrested at the earliest,” she said.

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Police said the post-mortem examination of the body is scheduled for Monday, and further investigation is underway.