Indore Horror: 24 Transgenders Attempt Suicide by Drinking Phenyl After Exploitation and Blackmail

Indore (The Uttam Hindu): In a shocking incident from Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s financial capital, 24 members of a transgender group attempted suicide by consuming phenyl after facing alleged sexual assault, harassment, and blackmail. The shocking event unfolded amid an ongoing dispute between two major transgender factions Payal Guru and Sapna Haji turning a local rivalry into a horrifying tragedy that has shaken the city.

According to police reports, tensions had been escalating for months between these two groups, both active in the Nandlalpura and MR-10 areas of Indore. Taking advantage of the situation, a self-proclaimed journalist, identified as Pankaj Jay, along with his associate Akshay, allegedly approached the Payal Guru group, posing as media personnel. They threatened to defame the group publicly unless paid off.

When the transgenders refused to give them money, the situation turned horrifying. Pankaj Jay allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted one of the transwomen in a building, later threatening to file false police cases against them if they reported the crime. The victims, traumatized and under immense fear and pressure, reportedly decided to end their lives collectively.

Late Wednesday night, 24 members of the Payal Guru group drank phenyl in a desperate attempt to escape the alleged abuse. When other members returned and found them unconscious, panic erupted in the area. Police were immediately alerted, rushed to the scene, broke open the locked room, and rescued all the victims.

The survivors were quickly shifted to MY Hospital in Indore using autos, ambulances, and police vehicles. Hospital officials later confirmed that all 24 individuals are now stable and under medical observation.

After the incident, protests broke out on Jawahar Marg, where fellow transgenders staged a road blockade demanding justice. They raised slogans against Sapna Haji’s group and called for strict action against those responsible for the abuse and blackmail.

Taking serious note of the matter, Pandharinath police station registered a case late at night at Sanyogitaganj police station against Sapna Haji, Raja Hashmi, Pankaj Jay, and Akshay. Authorities have formed multiple teams to trace and arrest the accused.

Police officials stated that further investigation is underway, and all culprits involved in this heinous act will be brought to justice soon.