Tensions gripped Odisha’s Cuttack city on Sunday after violent clashes broke out during Durga Puja idol immersion, leaving several injured and prompting authorities to enforce strict measures, including internet suspension, curfews in select zones, and the deployment of additional police units.
The unrest erupted around 1:30 am in the Daraghabazar locality, near Haathi Pokhari, when an immersion procession was en route to Debigara by the Kathajodi river. Disputes reportedly began after residents objected to loud music played by devotees.
Witnesses said verbal altercations quickly escalated into violence as stones and bottles were hurled from rooftops, injuring several, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Dnyandeo Khilari. Police resorted to mild baton charges to disperse the mob after multiple vehicles and stalls were vandalized. The immersion resumed only after three hours under tight security, and all idols were immersed by 9:30 am.
Later in the day, tensions resurfaced when authorities denied permission for a proposed motorcycle rally, fearing further disturbances. According to Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Debadutta Singh, a group attempted to defy the ban, resulting in clashes that injured eight police personnel. Officers were forced to use controlled force to restore order.
Singh clarified that false rumours of a death were circulating on social media. “All injured individuals are stable, and those spreading misinformation will face legal consequences,” he stated.
Authorities have since announced curfew restrictions in sensitive areas to prevent flare-ups.
Local Puja committees staged protests demanding arrests of those responsible. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called a 12-hour bandh on Monday, accusing the administration of “failing to safeguard peace” and demanding the transfer of senior officials.
The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) condemned the violence, attributing it to “anti-social elements” attempting to disturb harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep regret over the incident, urging residents to maintain peace.
“Cuttack has long stood as a beacon of unity across communities. The government is monitoring the situation closely, and strict legal action will follow against those inciting unrest,” Majhi said, directing hospitals to offer free treatment to the injured.
BJD MP Sulata Deo criticized the state’s law enforcement under BJP rule, claiming rising crime rates since the change in government.
Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera confirmed multiple fire incidents across localities such as Gouri Shankar Park. “We were attacked with stones while dousing flames at nearly ten locations,” he revealed. Reinforcements have since been dispatched to restore order.
In a preventive step, the Odisha Home Department ordered a 24-hour suspension of internet and mobile data services across Cuttack starting 7 pm on October 5.
The order, issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act and relevant telecom suspension rules, stated that digital platforms could be misused for spreading inflammatory or misleading posts that threaten public safety.
The suspension covers the entire Cuttack Municipal Corporation area, the CDA region, and the 42 Mauza zone.
Officials confirmed six arrests so far, with CCTV and drone footage under review to identify more culprits. The city remains under heightened surveillance as authorities brace for the VHP’s planned bandh on Monday.
Residents have been urged to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement as efforts continue to restore normalcy.
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