Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: The main accused in the sensational murder of Kinnar Anjali was injured in a police encounter near Nayara Petrol Pump under Pipili police limits on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Krishna Kandi of Konark, sustained a bullet injury to his left leg during the exchange of fire. Police said the encounter took place when a team attempted to apprehend him. Krishna allegedly opened fire at the police, prompting retaliatory firing in which he was injured.
He was immediately taken into custody and admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Anjali was brutally stabbed to death on February 3 near CIFA along NH-316 at Kaushalyaganga on the outskirts of the capital city. According to reports, she was standing by the roadside when two assailants attacked her with sharp weapons and fled.
Before succumbing to her injuries, Anjali reportedly informed a fellow member of the transgender community over the phone that she had been stabbed by two persons. Pipili police later recovered her body from the spot.
The murder had triggered strong protests from members of the transgender community. Hundreds staged a road blockade on the Capital Hospital–Airport stretch, demanding ₹10 lakh compensation for the victim’s family and a Crime Branch investigation. They had warned of intensified agitation if swift action was not taken.
Police are continuing further investigation into the case.
