Who was Jesse Strang? 18-year-old named in Canada school shooting that left 10 dead, dozens injured
Canadian authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School after reports named 18-year-old Jesse Strang as the suspected gunman.Two Canadian news outlets, Western Standard and Juno News, reported that Strang was also transgender. The outlets said they received the name from a close family member. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has not officially confirmed the suspect’s identity. The shooting happened on Tuesday at about 1:20 pm local time in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northeastern British Columbia, about 1,100 kilometers north of Vancouver. Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the school. A public safety alert was sent out telling residents to stay indoors. According to the RCMP, ten people were killed, including the gunman. More than two dozen others were injured. Police said they believe the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school. Investigators also found additional victims at a nearby home that they believe is connected to the case. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that investigators believe they know who the shooter was. However, police are not releasing the name at this time. Floyd said the decision was made out of respect for the victims’ families and to protect the investigation. Police have also said they do not yet know the motive. They are still working to determine how the victims were connected to the suspect. The shelter-in-place order was lifted later that evening after police said there was no longer a threat to the public. Students and staff who remained inside the school were safely evacuated. Tumbler Ridge has a population of about 2,400 people. Authorities said both the elementary and secondary schools will stay closed for the rest of the week. Counseling and support services are being offered to students, staff, and families. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby released statements expressing sorrow and offering condolences to the families of those killed. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Meerut News: Transgender woman’s house vandalized, threats made
Mawana. A transgender woman residing in Ikram Nagar has filed a complaint at the police station, alleging that Rahul, a resident of Agwanpur village, came to her house on Saturday night, banged on the door, hurled abuses, and threatened to kill her. Neighbors apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police. Shalu, the transgender woman from Ikram Nagar, stated in her complaint that on the night of February 7th, at 11:30 PM, the accused, Rahul, a resident of Agwanpur village, came to her house and started banging on the door and hurling abuses. When she did not open the door, he threatened to kill her. Hearing the commotion, neighbors caught the accused and handed him over to the police. Shalu has expressed fear for her life from the accused and demanded action. CO Pankaj Lavania said that a report has been registered against the accused based on the complaint, and further action is being taken. Courtesy: Hindi News
12 Bangladeshi Transgender Nationals Living Illegally Detained in Mumbai, Deportation Process Initiated
The Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of Versova Police has detained 12 Bangladeshi transgender nationals who were found to be . The Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of Versova Police has detained 12 Bangladeshi transgender nationals who were found to be residing illegally in India. The action was carried out on February 4 and 5, 2026, at multiple locations in Andheri West and Malvani, According to police officials, the first operation was conducted in the early hours of February 4 at around 3:30 am at the premises of Shakrullah Shah Baba Dargah on JP Road, Versova. During routine bandobast duty, police personnel noticed nine transgender individuals conversing in the Bangladeshi dialect. On questioning, all of them admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals and revealed that they had entered India illegally without any valid documents or permission. The second operation took place on February 5 at around 1:30 pm in the Old Madha area of Andheri West, including Hanuman Mandir Lane and a nearby residential complex. Three more Bangladeshi transgender nationals were detained from the spot. During investigation, Bangladeshi mobile numbers, birth certificates and other digital evidence were recovered from their possession, confirming their nationality. Police investigations further revealed that all the detained individuals were using mobile applications to remain in contact with associates in Bangladesh. Action has been initiated against them under the Foreigners Act, and the process to deport them from India has begun. Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police. The entire operation was carried out under the leadership of Senior Police Inspector Dipshikha Bhagyashree Avhad Ware, under the guidance of the Additional Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-09. Police officials stated that such strict action against foreign nationals residing illegally in India will continue in the future. By vishal.singh Courtesy : Lokmat Times Note: This news is originally published on https:/lokmattimes.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender spits on woman at metro station after she refuses to give money
A video capturing a heated exchange between a transperson and a young woman at a metro station has surfaced online after the latter was spat on. A video recorded at a metro station has triggered widespread discussion after a woman alleged she was spat on by a transgender person for refusing to give cash. The incident, whose exact location remains unverified, has drawn attention to issues of harassment and accountability in public spaces. According to the woman recording the video, a transperson approached her at the station and offered blessings in exchange for cash, an interaction familiar to many commuters in public spaces. When the woman declined, the situation escalated. In the video, the transperson is heard saying, “Kinnar ki baddua lagegi,” which translates to, “You will be cursed by a transgender person,” moments before allegedly spitting on her. The footage shows the woman confronting the transperson immediately. “Record hua hai isme,” she says, meaning, “This has been recorded.” She then questions the attempt to hide her face, adding, “Ab toh viral ho gaya, aapne mere upar thuka kaise? (It’s already gone viral, how could you spit on me?)” Her voice reflects visible shock and anger. In a subsequent clip, the trans woman is seen asking the victim to delete the recording. Bystanders at the station can be heard commenting on the incident, with some pointing out that the spit had landed in the woman’s hair. The argument grows increasingly heated as raised voices and verbal threats are exchanged. The video has sparked a broader discussion online around public safety, harassment in shared spaces, and accountability. Many users noted that while the transgender community continues to face discrimination and marginalisation, acts of harassment or assault, if proven, cannot be excused. Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
In a 1st, transgender to be face of Haridwar’s cleanliness drive
Haridwar: In a “first-of-its-kind initiative” in Uttarakhand, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation on Wednesday appointed a transgender woman, Sonia Bua, as the brand ambassador of its citywide cleanliness drive, a move officials said was aimed at promoting inclusivity while strengthening public participation in sanitation campaigns. Municipal authorities said that “the appointment of the 57-year-old social activist was intended to convey that transgenders are an integral part of society and that individuals contributing positively to the community should be recognised, irrespective of their gender identity”. As brand ambassador, Sonia will take part in awareness campaigns, public outreach programmes and community events to encourage residents to keep the holy city clean. Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar, while handing over the appointment letter to Sonia, said cleanliness should be seen as a shared social responsibility rather than just a govt campaign. He added that the municipal corporation plans to involve other transgender groups in Haridwar in cleanliness awareness programmes in the coming months. “The participation of the transgender community will send a strong and positive message to society and will give fresh momentum to the cleanliness drive. Their social circle is wide and influential, which will help us reach more people and make residents aware about the importance of cleanliness,” the commissioner said. A resident of the Bahadrabad area of Haridwar, Sonia moved to the city at the age of 20. Speaking to TOI, she said, “Life as a transgender person is difficult as we are often abandoned by society and even by our families. My initial years, too, were very tough. Now that the municipal corporation has entrusted me with this responsibility, I will perform my role with full honesty.” She added that she would spread messages on cleanliness at religious and social functions where transgender groups traditionally go to offer blessings. Welcoming the decision, social activist Ratan Mani Dobhal, said, “The move would help both the cleanliness campaign and social acceptance. It is a good initiative and will definitely help in spreading awareness in society. Making Sonia the brand ambassador will also increase acceptance of transgender persons.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender found murdered on NH-316
Bhubaneswar: A transgender was allegedly stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant near Uttara Chowk in Puri district on Sunday. Police said the victim was found lying in a pool of blood along NH-316 connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri. The individual’s identity and circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established. “Prima facie, the victim sustained serious stab injuries and was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where doctors declared her dead. We are verifying the CCTV footage,” said an officer of Pipili police station. Tension gripped Capital Hospital as several members of the transgender community demanded immediate arrest of those responsible. “She called me around 8 pm and sought help. She told me that she was attacked. But she didn’t name anyone,” a friend of the deceased said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
OHRC recommends state govt to ensure 1% transgender reservation in recruitment exams
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has recommended the state govt to ensure 1% reservation for transgender candidates in different recruitment exams. The commission passed the order on Jan 22 after hearing a petition filed by a transgender from Cuttack. The petitioner alleged discrimination and violation of fundamental rights due to non-inclusion of the third gender/transgender category in the application form for the upcoming Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Exam conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The petitioner contended that omission of the ‘third gender/transgender’ in the online form prevented applicants like the complainant, from applying and participating in the exam on an equal footing, thereby constituting discriminatory treatment and infringing upon their rights to equality and non-discrimination. The commission, without calling for any report from govt authorities, was prima facie satisfied of the violation of human rights and disposed of the case at the stage of admission. Human rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo, quoting the OHRC order, said the Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination under Article 14, ensuring equal protection of laws, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, which was interpreted to include gender identity. Article 16 mandates equality of opportunity in public employment, and any exclusion based on gender identity is arbitrary and violative thereof. The commission recommended the general administration and social security departments to consider inclusion of ‘third gender/transgender’ as an option in the applications forms of govt recruitment exams and to make at least 1% reservation for them, and to direct all recruiting boards and authorities, including OPSC, to do the same. As the present complaint relates to the OCS exam, for which applications are already invited, OHRC urged the state govt consider the same at the earliest by making a request to OPSC to allow a ‘third gender/transgender’ option and extend the application deadline for at least 15 days for such candidates. The order stated that govt should ensure the recommendation is carried out by all departments and its corporations. OHRC asked govt to submit a compliance report within 60 days. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender succumbs to burn injuries
Virudhunagar: A 21-year-old transgender, who allegedly set herself ablaze outside Srivilliputhur Town police station on Jan 25 to protest police questioning her friend, died at Govt Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on Thursday morning. The deceased, Mutharasi, sustained 75% burn injuries and was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Police said they received a complaint regarding two transgenders, Sharmi, 22, and Isha, 24, seeking alms and behaving rudely with the public at Srivilliputhur bus stand on Sunday. A woman SI reached the spot and dispersed them. Later in the day, the policewoman noticed one of them seeking alms in another locality in the town. The SI reprimanded her and asked her to report to the station for a formal inquiry. Following this, Mutharasi, along with others, gathered outside the station demanding immediate release of the person detained. While the inquiry was in progress, Mutharasi allegedly poured petrol on herself and set herself alight outside the station. She was rushed to Virudhunagar govt medical college hospital and subsequently referred to GRH for further treatment. Srivilliputhur Town police registered a case and are conducting investigations. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cook from Jalandhar castrated in Ludhiana transgender turf war.
Ludhiana: Police have launched a manhunt for a local transgender leader and nine associates following the abduction and forced castration of a 30-year-old cook, an attack allegedly sparked by a bitter territorial dispute. The victim, identified as Manpreet Singh of Jalandhar, was found abandoned and mutilated on a roadside on Tuesday, four days after he was reported missing. Police have claimed in their reports that Manpreet Singh worked as a cook for a transgender group led by Reshma Mahant. He vanished on the morning of Jan 24 after leaving for a walk in Ludhiana’s Khwaja Kothi Chowk area. An acquaintance of the victim, Vidhyarti Rao, has told investigators that the search for Manpreet Singh ended when an anonymous caller reported that he had been admitted to Ludhiana’s civil hospital in critical condition. “Manpreet told me that the accused and his aides abducted him, mutilated him, and dumped him on the roadside,” Rao stated in his complaint. The Investigation Police authorities believe the motive stems from a long-standing rivalry between Reshma Mahant’s group and a rival faction led by Rabina Mahant. The two groups have reportedly been at odds over “area distribution” — the informal division of neighbourhoods where transgender communities traditionally collect alms and perform at ceremonies. “We have registered a case based on the initial complaint, but the victim’s condition is critical,” said assistant sub-inspector Amarjeet Singh. “He has been referred to a hospital in Chandigarh for specialist care.” The Accused Police have registered a case against Rabina Mahant and nine others, identified as Suhana, Sona, Simmi, Kanika, Rehmat, Shiv Kumar, Dilawar, Hifazat, and Pooja. The suspects face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 118 (1) & (2) (causing grievous hurt voluntarily by dangerous weapons) and 61 (2) (criminal conspiracy). Investigators are currently analysing mobile tower data and CCTV footage to track the suspects, who remain at large. A formal statement from the victim will be recorded once doctors declare him fit to speak. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
New program helps transgender people find work in South India
Authorities in the southern Indian city of Visakhapatnam have launched a new effort to help transgender people find stable work and live with greater dignity. The initiative, known as Mission Jyotirgamaya, is being led by the Vizag city police with support from local government bodies and community organisations. The programme was launched with the broader goal of making Visakhapatnam a beggar-free city, but officials say it focuses on providing purpose and opportunity rather than punishment. As part of the first phase, 20 transgender individuals have been hired as sanitation workers by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. In addition, five people from the community have received loans from the State Bank of India to help them start small businesses. City police commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi said the programme is based on the belief that everyone deserves respect and a chance to build a better life. “Every individual has a right to live with dignity,” he said, adding that beggars and transgender people should be given opportunities rather than ignored. Police officials said the initiative will continue to expand in the coming months. The long-term aim is to create employment opportunities for all transgender people in the city who are seeking work. The programme reflects a growing push in parts of India to promote inclusion and improve access to jobs for marginalized communities. Korina Estrada Courtesy : Transgenderfeed Note: This news is originally published on https:/transgenderfeed.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights