At least 24 people from the transgender community have been hospitalized in the city of Indore, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, after a collective suicide attempt occurred on Wednesday night. Local authorities have confirmed that the victims ingested phenol, a highly toxic disinfectant, with the intention of taking their own lives.
Those affected were admitted to the Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital, where they remain under medical observation. “About 25 people from the trans community have been admitted to our hospital. They say they have consumed phenol together,” the center’s director, Basant Kumar Ningwal, told the Indian news agency PTI.
A community leader, detained
As part of the investigation, the Police have arrested a well-known local figure of the trans community, Sapna Guru, also known as Sapna Haji. According to authorities, the woman is accused of threatening and attacking several of the people who attempted suicide, after demanding money raised for a conference that, apparently, It was not celebrated.
Together with Sapna Guru, three other people have been arrested for his alleged involvement in the events, reported Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya, in statements reported by the newspaper The Hindu.
An event that shocks the country
Although all the details of the event have not yet been released, the news has generated a strong commotion in India, where The trans community continues to face discrimination and social exclusion.
