Assault Case Involving Transgender Individuals Takes New Turn in Vijayapura

In a developing case from Vijayapura, the victim of a July 21 assault at the Old Bus Stand has filed a police complaint, leading to significant developments. Initially reported as a transgender individual, it has now been clarified that the victim is a 21-year-old woman from a village near Vijayapura. She had previously stayed with the accused transgenders in Pune, but they reportedly had a falling out.

Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Sonawane confirmed that the woman, who had been undergoing gender conversion therapy, had introduced herself as male during her time in Pune and developed a relationship with one of the accused, Ashwini Yamanappa Harijan. Upon discovering her true identity, the group allegedly assaulted her at a hotel near the bus stand.

The assault, which included stripping and throwing chili powder on the victim, was captured in a viral video. However, the police case was not filed until August 1. The delay was attributed to the victim’s ongoing gender conversion therapy.

The police have arrested five individuals: G Huligemma, Kavitha Balaji Khalase, Mahanamma alias Basamma Kurimani, Ashwini Yamanappa Harijan, and Basamma Sanganna Ambiger. They are currently searching for one more suspect who remains at large. A special team led by Additional SPs Shankar Marihal and Ramanagouda Hatti, along with DSP Basavaraj and Inspectors Mallayya Mathapati and SR Hangaragi, swiftly acted to apprehend the suspects within 24 hours of the complaint.