Bhubaneswar: The busy Kalinga Studio Chowk on the Khandagiri-Chandaka road turned into a battlefield on Tuesday evening following a fierce clash between two rival Kinnar (transgender) communities. More than five Kinnars were seriously injured in the violent confrontation.
Bharatpur Police have registered two separate cases and arrested 10 people, including nine Kinnars. The arrested persons have been identified as Saimon Kinnar, Priya Kinnar, Manoj Kinnar, Sheetal Kinnar, Komal Kinnar, Lipsita Kinnar, Tarana Kinnar, Anushka Kinnar, Tanisa Kinnar, and Rudra Narayan Das.
Police also seized weapons used in the attack, including iron rods, sticks (lathis), and wooden planks. The incident is linked to a previous attack on Lipsita Kinnar by members of a rival group a few days ago.
Bharatpur police had arrested three Kinnars, who were recently released on bail.
Lipsita’s group reportedly called the other party to Kalinga Studio Square for a discussion. However, the rival group was allegedly waiting with a pre-planned ambush. As soon as Lipsita and her associates reached the spot, they were attacked with iron rods, sticks, and wooden weapons. Lipsita’s group, which had also come prepared, retaliated strongly. A fierce fight broke out on the road with both sides pelting stones and engaging in physical combat. The clash caused major traffic disruption in the area forcing shopkeepers to down shutters and flee.
Police later reached the spot, shifted the injured to a hospital, and arrested nine Kinnars from the location.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
