Tensions flared in Cuttack, Odisha, following violent clashes during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession, prompting the state government to impose a 36-hour curfew and suspend internet services.
The curfew, which began at 10 pm on Sunday, covers 13 police station areas, including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, and Jagatpur, as authorities work to restore peace and order in the city.
To contain the escalating unrest, the Odisha government announced a 36-hour curfew across several key areas of Cuttack. Additionally, internet and social media platforms — including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat — have been suspended from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday across the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 Mauza regions. Officials stated that the step was necessary to prevent the spread of “inflammatory and provocative messages” that could worsen the situation.
How the Violence Erupted
The trouble reportedly began late night on October 3, when locals objected to loud DJ music being played during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession. The argument quickly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from nearby rooftops, leaving several people injured — including Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
Renewed Clashes During VHP Rally
Fresh violence broke out during a motorcycle rally organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which went ahead despite prohibitory orders. When police attempted to stop the rally, clashes erupted, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. Authorities had to resort to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Around 25 people, including eight police officers, had sustained injuries in the violence.
By Sunday, October 5th, rioters reportedly set fire at several locations near Gourishankar Park, damaging shops, vehicles, and CCTV cameras. Fire services and police teams were deployed to control the situation amid continued stone-pelting and chaos.
VHP Calls for Bandh Amid Curfews
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has called for a 12-hour Cuttack bandh on October 6, demanding strict action against officials allegedly responsible for administrative lapses. The bandh coincides with the ongoing curfew, and police have deployed massive security arrangements to prevent further flare-ups.
To maintain an optimal level of law and order, ten companies of security forces have been stationed across sensitive zones. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and police teams conducted flag marches in areas like Dargah Bazaar and Mangalabag to reassure residents and deter miscreants.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former CM Naveen Patnaik, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have all appealed for calm, urging citizens to uphold communal harmony. “Communal harmony is non-negotiable,” CM Majhi said, promising strict action against the culprits.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
So far, six people have been arrested, and police are reviewing CCTV and drone footage to identify more suspects. Authorities have also stepped-up monitoring of social media platforms to curb misinformation and prevent further tensions.
This event marks the third major instance of internet suspension in Odisha in recent years, following similar curbs in Sambalpur (2023) and Balasore (2024). The situation in Cuttack remains tense but under control as security forces continue to patrol sensitive areas.
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