In a disturbing episode late on Wednesday night, about 24 members of the transgender community allegedly consumed a floor-cleaning liquid in an apparent mass suicide bid at a dera in Nandlalpura, police said. All victims were rushed to MY Hospital and, according to hospital officials, are currently out of danger. The episode sparked large protests at the dera and outside the hospital, with hundreds of trans persons gathering and further attempts at self-harm reported before police brought the situation under control.
Mass ingestion and immediate response
Police received information about a commotion at the transgender dera in Nandlalpura and teams were rushed to the spot, DCP Anand Kaldagi told reporters. “Twenty-four members of the transgender community consumed a suspicious substance, which appeared to be a floor cleaner. They were rushed to the hospital in ambulances and police vehicles, where their condition was stated to be stable,” he said. Hospital sources confirmed that the patients were given prompt emergency care and were being monitored by senior medical staff and the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO).
CCTV footage, which later circulated widely on social media, reportedly showed several trans persons sitting together and consuming the cleaning fluid. Police, however, cautioned that the footage alone did not explain the motive behind the act and investigators were yet to record statements from the patients.
Protests, further self-harm attempts and attacks on media
The initial incident apparently triggered a larger protest. Hundreds of trans persons gathered outside MY Hospital and at the Nandlalpura dera, staging demonstrations and raising slogans late into the night. During the unrest, a group again attempted self-harm by pouring inflammable liquid over themselves. Videos emerging from the scene showed chaotic scenes in which even some journalists — including a photojournalist identified by media reports as Praveen Barnale from The Times of India — were doused with kerosene while trying to cover the events.
Police said media persons were targeted as the protesters turned their ire on both local authorities and reporters. “We are yet to record statements of the victims, after which the reason behind this will be clear,” DCP Kaldagi said, adding that senior police officers and health officials were present at the site to ensure care and order.
Possible triggers and background tensions
Preliminary accounts indicate that the protests may have been sparked by a complex sequence of events. Local reports said the immediate unrest followed registration of an assault and criminal intimidation case against a man who claimed to be a journalist and allegedly forced himself on a trans person. Some versions also referenced inter-community clashes, allegations of religious conversions and long-running leadership and property disputes within the transgender community in Indore.
Two factions led by local transgender leaders — frequently identified in media coverage as Payal Guru and Seema Guru — have reportedly quarrelled over leadership and control of dera resources in recent months. The dispute, according to several local sources, had resulted in multiple clashes and earlier protests outside police stations. Police Commissioner Santosh Singh had earlier constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the factional tensions; however, officials said the probe had stalled after an early transfer of the initial officer in charge.
Despite these contextual factors, DCP Kaldagi stressed that the precise motive for the mass ingestion had not been confirmed and investigators were keeping all angles open.
Administration and police action
Following the incident, the district and police administrations were put on high alert. Collector Shivam Verma and senior officials monitored developments and took updates from hospital and police officials, authorities said. Additional DCP Dishesh Agarwal and ACP (Sanyogitaganj) were present at the site, and the CMHO was instructed to ensure proper medical care for all affected persons.
A police press release said teams were working to record statements, verify CCTV footage, identify organisers of the protest and determine whether the mass ingestion was pre-planned or reactive. Officers also said they were investigating the alleged attack on journalists and would take action if evidence substantiated criminal behaviour.
Wider mobilisation and solidarity messages
Messages and videos from transgender communities in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, surfaced on social media indicating a possible intention by some groups to travel to Indore in solidarity. Civil-society activists and trans rights groups contacted local authorities offering to help de-escalate tensions, provide counselling and liaise with hospital staff.
Mental health experts and activists urged restraint in reporting and called for urgent psychosocial support for the affected persons. Local NGOs offered to deploy counsellors and legal-aid volunteers to assist victims and families once medical priorities were met.
Conclusion
The mass ingestion and ensuing protests in Nandlalpura have exposed an acute flashpoint involving the transgender community in Indore — one tied to leadership disputes, allegations of misconduct and simmering grievances. While all those who consumed the substance are now reported to be out of danger, investigators face the task of piecing together motive, sequence and culpability amid heightened tensions. Authorities have pledged a detailed probe; in the meantime, police and health teams continue to oversee medical care and maintain law and order as the community and administration seek answers.