10 Arrested After Violent Clash Between Rival Kinnar Groups in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A violent confrontation between two rival Kinnar (transgender) groups disrupted normal life near Kalinga Studio Square on the Khandagiri–Chandaka Road on Tuesday evening, leaving more than five people seriously injured and triggering heavy police action.

According to police, the clash erupted following an ongoing rivalry between the two groups. Bharatpur Police have registered two separate cases and arrested 10 people, including nine members of the Kinnar community. The accused 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.

During the operation, police seized several weapons allegedly used in the attack, including iron rods, wooden planks, and sticks.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the violence was linked to an earlier assault on Lipsita Kinnar by members of the rival group. In connection with that incident, Bharatpur Police had earlier arrested three Kinnars, who were later released on bail.

Police said both groups had agreed to meet near Kalinga Studio Square for talks. However, the meeting quickly turned violent after one group allegedly launched an attack using iron rods and sticks. The opposing group retaliated, leading to a fierce street fight. Stones were reportedly hurled by both sides as the confrontation intensified, creating panic among commuters and local residents.

The incident also caused major traffic congestion in the area, while several shopkeepers hurriedly shut their establishments and fled to safety.

Police personnel rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control, shifted the injured to a hospital for treatment, and detained those involved in the violence.

An investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events and identify any additional persons involved in the clash.