Violence Erupts in Cuttack During Durga Puja Immersion; Curfew, Internet Suspension Imposed

Tensions escalated in Cuttack, Odisha, following violent clashes during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession, prompting the state government to enforce strict measures including a 36-hour curfew and internet suspension.

Here are the key developments:

1. 36-Hour Curfew
The curfew, effective from 10 PM Sunday, covers 13 police station limits, including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, and Jagatpur, aiming to contain the unrest.

2. Internet and Social Media Blocked
Internet and messaging platforms — WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat — were suspended from 7 PM Sunday to 7 PM Monday across Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 Mauza regions, citing the spread of “inflammatory and provocative messages.”

3. How Clashes Began
The violence erupted late Friday night near Haathi Pokhari when some locals objected to loud music during an immersion procession. The confrontation escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing, injuring several, including DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

4. 25 Injured
Clashes continued on Sunday during a motorcycle rally organised by the VHP, defying administrative orders. Protesters turned violent when stopped by security forces, leading to stone-pelting, fires, and police using tear gas and rubber bullets. Eight police officials were among the injured.

5. Fires and Vandalism
Rioters set fire to 8–10 locations near Gourishankar Park, damaging shops and CCTV cameras. Fire and police teams were deployed to control the situation amid ongoing stone-pelting.

6. Massive VHP Rally
Over 10,000 VHP supporters marched through Bajrakbati Road, raising controversial slogans targeting a minority community, which inflamed communal tensions further.

7. VHP Announces Bandh
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a 12-hour Cuttack bandh on Monday, demanding action against officials they accused of negligence. The bandh coincides with the curfew, with heavy security deployment to prevent further clashes.

8. Security Measures
Ten companies of security forces have been deployed, with additional reinforcements requested. Flag marches were conducted in sensitive areas like Dargah Bazaar and Mangalabag.

9. Calls for Peace
Leaders including CM Mohan Charan Majhi, former CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and local MLAs urged citizens to maintain communal harmony. CM Majhi stated,

“Communal harmony is non-negotiable,” promising strict action against the culprits.

10. Police Response
Authorities have arrested six individuals so far, reviewing CCTV and drone footage to identify more suspects. Social media is being closely monitored to prevent misinformation, following a pattern similar to Sambalpur (2023) and Balasore (2024).

The situation remains tense as officials continue efforts to restore law and order in Cuttack.