Cuttack, Odisha: Cuttack, one of Odisha’s oldest and most culturally vibrant cities, remains tense after fresh clashes erupted over the weekend, leaving at least 25 people injured. The violence, which first broke out during Durga Puja idol immersion processions, has led to an internet shutdown and the imposition of curfew-like restrictions in several parts of the city.
Internet shutdown and curfew orders
The Odisha government on Sunday ordered a 24-hour suspension of internet services across Cuttack city — including areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the 42 Mauza region. The suspension, effective from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday, includes major social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, in a bid to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content.
Additionally, prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been enforced in 13 police station areas for 36 hours starting from 10 pm on Sunday.
Police Commissioner S. Dev Datt Singh confirmed that heavy security deployment has been made in sensitive areas such as Dargah Bazaar, Gourishankar Park, and Bidyadharpur. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to assist the local police in maintaining order.
How the Cuttack violence began
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the violence began around 1.30 am on Saturday, when a Durga idol immersion procession passing through the Dargah Bazaar area was confronted by a group of residents objecting to loud music being played late at night.
The argument quickly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing, with members of the procession reportedly retaliating. The situation turned chaotic, injuring several people — including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
So far, six people have been arrested, and authorities are reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify others involved. “Those who disturbed peace will face strict legal action,” Police Commissioner Singh stated.
One person remains in critical condition at SCB Medical College and Hospital, while the DCP’s condition is stable, according to NDTV.
Tensions flare up again after VHP rally
Despite heightened security, fresh violence broke out on Sunday evening after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) conducted a motorcycle rally through the city, defying administrative restrictions.
The rally began from Bidyadharpur, passed through Dargah Bazaar — the epicentre of Saturday’s clashes — and concluded at CDA Sector 11. According to police reports, several CCTV cameras were vandalised, and shops in the Gourishankar Park area were damaged or set on fire.
Police again had to use mild force to disperse the crowds and prevent further escalation.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi appeals for peace
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed serious concern over the incidents, urging citizens to maintain calm. “Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its unity and communal harmony. Due to the actions of some miscreants, peace has been disturbed,” he said.
Majhi assured free medical care for the injured and directed officials to closely monitor the situation.
Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, now Leader of the Opposition, also condemned the violence, calling it “deeply concerning.” He accused the BJP-led government of administrative failure, stating that the police appeared helpless during the clashes.
“The pressure on the police under this government is disrupting law and order,” Patnaik remarked.
Political fallout and bandh call
The VHP has called for a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, blaming the administration for not ensuring peaceful idol immersions. “Despite repeated warnings, authorities failed to prevent violence,” a VHP spokesperson told NDTV, demanding the transfer of the DCP and district collector.
The BJP government, on the other hand, has attributed the violence to “anti-social elements”, while the BJD and Congress accused the administration of neglect.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, representing Barabati-Cuttack, said, “Our city has celebrated Durga Puja for over 500 years. Anyone trying to disrupt this unity must face strict punishment.”
City under high alert
Director General of Police (DGP) Y. B. Khurania held an emergency meeting with senior officers to assess the situation, while Chief Minister Majhi continues to receive hourly updates from the Home Department.
Immersion activities that were halted for three hours on Saturday later resumed under tight police protection and concluded peacefully by 9.30 am Sunday. Officials confirmed that 120 idols were immersed without further incident.
The administration remains on high alert, with law enforcement monitoring all sensitive areas to prevent further disturbances.