Transpersons clash outside Basin Bridge police stn; 5 injured

Chennai: A clash broke out between two groups of transpersons outside Basin Bridge police station. They pelted each other with stones and damaged the station's window panes and vehicles parked outside. Five people were injured in the melee.Police said a group led by Salma, 43, of Pulianthope, and another headed by Vimala and Kumudha from Moolakothalam and Yanai Kavuni, had an ongoing feud. Both groups allegedly have more than 100 members each and have had frequent conflicts in the past. Recently, more than 10 members from Salma's group switched allegiance to the rival group. Tensions grew as these members reportedly created a ruckus at locations where Salma's group ‘collected money'. The conflict intensified as Dilsha, a member of the Salma faction, allegedly made defamatory remarks against the rival group. On Sunday, members of the rival group attacked Dilsha's house in Pulianthope, vandalizing property, including a TV, an almirah, and a washing machine. It was also claimed that the assailants stole a gold chain weighing about 12 sovereigns. Dilsha informed this to Salma, who then lodged a complaint at Basin Bridge police station. Two individuals, Sumithra and Diya, were brought to the station for inquiry. Before long, members from the other group gathered outside, demanding their release, which led to a fight. Police intervened and dispersed the crowd. Based on Salma's complaint, police registered a case and arrested Diya, 19, Sumithra, 28, and Swathi, 23. Search is on for more than five others involved.