Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: A transgender was allegedly abducted from the Puri Bypass area under Badagada police limits and assaulted after refusing a money demand, according to a complaint.

The incident reportedly took place late Thursday night when two youths arrived in a car and allegedly forced the victim inside despite their refusal.

The accused reportedly took the victim towards Puri and demanded money.

When the victim refused, the youths allegedly assaulted them and abandoned them on the roadside.

The victim later returned to a transgender community gathering place in Bharatpur and approached Bharatpur Police. As the incident falls under Badagada police limits, the case was referred to Badagada Police.

Badagada Police registered a case, arranged medical treatment for the injured victim and launched an investigation.

CCTV footage from different locations along Puri Bypass is being examined to identify the accused.

Police said some aspects of the incident remain unclear and the exact motive will be established after the investigation.

Officers said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.