Transgender injured grievously in attack by rival group
| Date :05-Jun-2019 |
(left)Quick response teams deployed in front of transgender Uttam Baba Senapati’s house after the murderous assault on Chamcham Gajbhiye in Kaamna Nagar. (Right)Chamcham Gajbhiye Uttam Baba Senapati
Staff Reporter:
TENSION erupted in Kalamna area after Uttam Baba Senapati, a transgender and President of Vidarbha Kinnar Samaj, along with others attempted to kill her rival group leader Chamcham Gajbhiye with big knives at the former’s house at Kaamna Nagar Tuesday afternoon. With deep injuries, Chamcham was rushed to Hope Hospital, Kamptee, where she is battling for life. The news about the murderous assault on Chamcham by Uttam Baba spread like jungle fire. Hundreds of eunuchs and supporters of Chamcham gathered demanding arrest of Uttam Baba and other assailants.
With possibility of a gang war between the two groups of eunuchs, police personnel, including quick response teams, were deployed in the area. Uttam Baba enjoys a considerable clout among the transgenders across the region. Eunuchs were collecting money from passengers in trains, traders, and even by performing at the wedding, religious ceremonies and occasions like birth of a child. They used to assemble at Uttam Baba’s house at Kaamna Nagar for equal distribution of the cash collected. Chamcham had also floated Bharatiya Surajya Party and had supported the demand for carving out separate Vidarbha. For the past couple of years, Uttam Baba and Chamcham were at loggerheads with each other over financial dealings and supremacy. Around 1.45 pm, the transgenders assembled at Uttam Baba’s house. A dispute arose between Uttam Baba and Chamcham over distribution of cash.
Uttam Baba, Chattu alias Kalam Uikey, Kiran Gauri, Nisar Sheikh and two other transgenders attacked Chamcham and Rakhi Vasant Khobragade with knives. Uttam Baba stabbed Chamcham with a knife injuring her seriously. Others also stabbed her and beat her with sticks. A profusely bleeding Chamcham was rushed to Hope Hospital.
After recording Rakhi Khobragade’s statement, Kalamna Police arrested Uttam Baba, Chattu Uikey, Kiran Gauri and Nisar Sheikh on charges under sections 307, 341,323, 143, 147,148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code and 135 of Maharashtra Police Act. Several complaints were received against the accused from Pachpaoli, Lakadganj, Wardhaman Nagar, Jaripatka, Tehsil and Nandanvan areas. A few years ago, Uttam Baba had also opened fire from a pistol and was booked by the police.