The Odisha government on Monday extended the suspension of internet services in Cuttack till 7 pm on October 7, as curfew continues to remain in force following violent clashes that broke out during Durga idol immersion last week. Authorities said the extension was aimed at preventing further flare-ups amid continued tension in the city.

Internet services suspended to curb misinformation

In a notification issued by the Home Department, the government extended the earlier 24-hour suspension of mobile internet by another day. The restrictions were initially imposed from 7 pm on Sunday and will now remain until 7 pm Tuesday. Officials said the move was necessary to prevent the spread of rumours and objectionable content on social media that could disrupt peace.

While general internet access remains blocked, the order will not affect government networks such as OSWAN (Odisha State Wide Area Network), banking systems, railway services, or other essential platforms. The notice warned that anyone found violating the order would face strict legal action.

Curfew continues under BNS Section 163

A 36-hour curfew was earlier imposed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 163, restricting movement and gatherings in parts of the city till October 7. The decision came after two incidents of violence were reported in the Dargha Bazar area between Friday and Sunday, which left 31 people injured, including 10 police personnel.

Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh said that Sunday’s clashes likely erupted due to false rumours circulating on social media regarding the health of one of the injured from Friday’s violence. “The person was stable and under treatment, but the messages were designed to provoke hate among communities,” he said.

Political reactions and blame game

The situation in Cuttack has sparked sharp political reactions. BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who represents Cuttack, said he had warned the administration earlier about potential unrest in the city. He claimed that he had flagged the release of certain individuals “with a history of creating disturbances”.

Meanwhile, Odisha Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das accused the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of organising a bike rally without police permission, alleging that its members attacked police officers and civilians when stopped.
“Why were our brave police officers and innocent people attacked by RSS and VHP goons in Cuttack? Why do they want to create unrest in our peaceful state? We will not let Odisha become Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh,” Das said in a post on X.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly dividing people for political gain, saying that the state, which remained peaceful under the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), was now witnessing communal clashes.

Community leaders urge calm

Local leaders have appealed for peace and restraint. Cuttack Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh said that the law-and-order situation was under control, and the administration was working to restore normalcy.
Cuttack Mahanagar Durga Puja Samiti president and former MLA Pravat Tripathy urged all puja committees to come forward and assist in re-establishing communal harmony.

Eight arrested, heavy security deployment

Amid continued tensions, Odisha Police arrested eight people on Monday in connection with the violence. Commissioner Singh said that three FIRs had been registered, and police raids were ongoing in various parts of the city. Some of the accused were identified using CCTV footage.

To maintain order, 1,800 state police personnel and around 800 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) members have been deployed across Cuttack, along with the Odisha Swift Action Force.
ACP Narasingha Bhol confirmed that security patrols were being intensified in sensitive zones.

“People from outside are not allowed entry into Cuttack city, except those employed here and patients heading to the SCB Medical College and Hospital. Passenger buses are being stopped at entry points,” officials said.