Who was arrested in the transgender murder case in Odisha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar, Feb 12 (NationPress) The police in Puri have taken into custody a notorious criminal believed to be involved in the gruesome murder of a transgender individual on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, following a police encounter. The accused, a 25-year-old named Krushna Kandi, hails from the Konark region of Puri district.
Kandi suffered a bullet wound to his left leg during the police encounter on Wednesday and was promptly transported to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for urgent medical care.
It is essential to highlight that the victim, Dinesh Prasad Rout, also known as Anjali, was from the Salepur area in Cuttack district and was allegedly killed by Kandi after a dispute near Uttara under the jurisdiction of Pipili police on February 1.
This shocking murder, occurring alongside the national highway, has triggered widespread outrage, leading to protests by transgender communities across the state demanding justice for the victim.
The Puri Police have launched an investigation by filing a case at Pipili Police Station under pertinent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act.
Utilizing a scientific team and a sniffer dog, the Pipili Police conducted a thorough investigation at the crime scene, recovering blood-stained soil, slippers, underwear, and several other pieces of evidence.
To apprehend the suspect, the Puri Police assembled a Special Investigative Team under an Additional Superintendent of Police. During the investigation, intelligence led them to identify Kandi as the primary suspect in the murder of Dinesh.
While monitoring Kandi, officers located him in the Pipili area on Wednesday evening, resulting in an encounter between the police and the suspect.
According to police reports, "Upon receiving information about Kandi's presence near Tarakaju, our team attempted to arrest him. Kandi fired at the team, which compelled police to respond with controlled fire in self-defense."
As a result of the retaliatory fire, Kandi was injured in the leg.
The suspect is now in custody and receiving treatment at SCB Medical. Kandi has a history of involvement in multiple snatching incidents. The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific circumstances surrounding the murder of the transgender individual.