Two dozen transgender persons in Indore attempt ‘mass suicide’ by drinking phenyl — But why?
In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 24 transgender individuals attempted mass suicide by ingesting floor cleaner. They were rushed to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition.
Twenty-four transgender persons attempted mass suicide on Wednesday night by consuming floor cleaning material in the Nandlalpura area of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, an official said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anand Kaladgi informed reporters that the individuals were immediately rushed to Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital. He said that most of them are in stable condition as of now.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at around 8:30 PM.
“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 Kalagdi said.
"We will investigate the reasons behind 24 people consuming phenyl, which is a floor cleaning material," he added.
When asked if this incident was linked to a previous feud between two factions, DCP Kaladgi 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.”
When asked if the issue was fuelled after an FIR was registered against a man claiming to be a journalist, who allegedly forced himself on a trans person, the DCP said, “That is a different matter.”
Neha Kunwar, associated with the Nandlalpura “Kinnar” dera, alleged that two men- Akshay Kumaon and Pankaj Jain - posing as journalists, raped and blackmailed a trans person. The victim lodged a complaint at the Pandhrinath police station on Tuesday.
"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 ₹1.5 lakh from the victim," Kunwar said.
Following the suicide attempt, members of the transgender community gathered at the hospital demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. Kunwar later attempted to self-immolate at the hospital by dousing herself with kerosene, but police intervened in time.
Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya revealed that the two accused, Akshay and Pankaj, had been blackmailing the victim while pretending to be journalists.
The two men, posing as reporters, had visited the transgender community's dera in Nandlalpura in June 2025.
"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 told reporters.
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The accused have been booked under section 18 of the Transgender Protection Act 2019 and for intimidation.
What is the helpline for transgender people in India?
1. LGBTQ India Helplines include: Dhwani 24×7
Crisis Hotline number: 18001027282
2. Smiling Rainbow LGBTQ
Helpline: 78908 93166 SAHAI +91-80-25497777
3. Transgender Cyberabad Support WhatsApp: 9490617121
What is the helpline for transgender people?
MindLine Trans+ Call 0300 330 5468 for free.
(With inputs from agencies)