• Source:JND
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Cuttack Violence:Tension prevailed in Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday after violence broke out during the immersion of Durga idols, leading to injuries and damage to property. The incident occurred between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area when a procession was heading towards Debigara on the banks of the Kathajodi River.

Police said the confrontation began after a few residents objected to loud music being played during the immersion. What started as a verbal exchange soon turned violent, with stones and glass bottles allegedly thrown from nearby rooftops at the devotees. Several people were injured, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

ALSO READ: Durga Puja Idol Immersion: DCP Among Six Injured In Clash Between Two Groups During Procession in Odisha's Cuttack

Curfew Imposed In Cuttack

Following the violence, the city administration imposed a 36-hour curfew in several areas, including Daraghabazar, to prevent any escalation.

Cuttack Violence: Police Respond With Lathi Charge To Disperse Crowd

Police intervened quickly, using a lathi charge to control the crowd and restore order. Several vehicles and roadside shops were damaged during the unrest. The immersion process was halted for nearly three hours before being resumed under tight security.

Members of local Puja committees staged a demonstration demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack. By 9:30 AM, authorities reported that the remaining idols were safely immersed without further disturbance.

Cuttack Violence: Six People Arrested As Investigation Continues

As per officials, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Police are analysing CCTV footage, drone visuals and eyewitness accounts to identify other suspects.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) blamed the administration for failing to ensure a peaceful immersion procession. The organisation called for a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, demanding the transfer of the DCP and the district collector.

Internet Services Suspended In Cuttack

To control the spread of misinformation, the Odisha government suspended internet and social media services across areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and the adjoining 42 Mauza region. The suspension began at 7 pm on Sunday and will remain in place until 7 pm on Monday.

The decision, taken under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, aims to curb the circulation of inflammatory content on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Police presence has been significantly increased in sensitive locations, including Dargah Bazaar, Gourishankar Park, and Bidyadharpur. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to support local law enforcement.

Chief Minister Appeals For Peace and Unity

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, condemned the violence and urged citizens to maintain peace. “Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its unity and harmony. Some miscreants have disturbed peace, but strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.

The Chief Minister also directed hospitals to provide free medical treatment to those injured in the clashes and assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely.

Cuttack Violence: Political Reactions And Bandh Call

The VHP maintained that the administration failed to ensure adequate arrangements despite repeated warnings. Meanwhile, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accused “anti-social elements” of attempting to create communal tension in the city.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous expressed concern over the violence, saying, “Cuttack has celebrated Durga Puja for over 500 years. Those who tried to disrupt this tradition must be identified through CCTV and drone footage and punished under the law.”

ALSO READ: Durga Puja Idol Immersion: DCP Among Six Injured In Clash Between Two Groups During Procession in Odisha's Cuttack

Cuttack Violence: City On High Alert

Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania chaired an emergency meeting to assess the situation, with senior officials from the Home Department providing regular updates to the Chief Minister.

Police confirmed that immersion activities resumed on Sunday morning and concluded peacefully, with 120 idols immersed under tight security. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC remain in effect, restricting large gatherings in sensitive zones.

Authorities have assured residents that peace will be maintained and that strong measures are in place to prevent further violence.