Rival Transgender Groups Clash in Chennai, Three Arrested After Violence Outside Police Station

Three transgender persons were arrested after a violent clash between rival groups in north Chennai that left at least five people injured and damaged property near the Basin Bridge police station , police said.

The dispute allegedly stemmed from a long-running rivalry over territorial control and organised alms collection operations in the Pulianthope, Moolakothalam and Yanai Kavuni areas. Police said the feud intensified after more than 10 members from a group led by Salma of Pulianthope allegedly switched allegiance to a rival faction headed by Vimala and Kumudha.

According to investigators, several transgender groups in parts of Chennai operate informal alms collection networks at traffic junctions, markets and residential areas, with disputes occasionally erupting over territory and earnings. The latest clash has highlighted a lesser-discussed aspect of organised turf rivalries within such networks, even as activists caution against stereotyping the wider transgender community, many of whom continue to face social exclusion and limited employment opportunities.

Police said tensions escalated after Dilsha, a member of Salma’s group, allegedly made defamatory remarks against the rival faction. On May 9, members of the opposing group allegedly trespassed into Dilsha’s house at K P Park and vandalised household items , including a television, washing machine and almirah. The attackers also allegedly stole a 12-sovereign gold chain from the house.

The next day, Salma and her associate Kavya were allegedly intercepted near the K P Park bus stop by around 10 persons, including Parthiban alias Surekha, who had recently defected to the rival camp. Police said the group attacked them with stones and beer bottles and issued death threats. Kavya suffered bleeding injuries and was admitted to a government hospital.

The violence later spilled outside the Basin Bridge police station after supporters of the detained suspects gathered demanding their release. Rival groups allegedly hurled stones at each other, damaging police station windows and nearby vehicles.

Police arrested Deepan alias Diya, Vijayakumar alias Sumithra and Rajiv alias Swathi. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects.