24 transgenders consume poison in MP, admitted to hospital

At least 24 transgender individuals of a group allegedly attempted mass suicide by consuming some poisonous liquid, said to be phenyl, inside their community home at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, alleging continuous harassment and threats to life from the leader of another transgender group of the city.

Four other members of the complainant group tried to self-immolate outside the Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital (MYH) of Indore later in the night, after the 24 transgenders were admitted there for treatment late Wednesday. Police personnel promptly prevented their attempt.

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Police suspect that the mass consumption of the poisonous substance was triggered due to a long-standing dispute between the two factions of the transgender community for control over their ‘gaddi’ (spiritual seat) and territorial rivalry.

The police on Thursday detained a transgender leader, Sapna Guru, alias Sapna Haji, in connection with the incident.

The transgenders, who consumed phenyl, belong to the rival faction led by Payal Guru. The group resides in the Nandlalpura area of Indore.

A case was registered at the Pandrinath police station after the mass suicide attempt. According to Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya, Sapna Guru has been detained in connection with the case.

Doctors at the MY Hospital said that two transgender individuals were in a serious condition, and they were admitted to the ICU, while the remaining 22 were provided treatment and were out of danger.