36-Hour Curfew, Internet Suspended in Cuttack After Clashes During Durga Puja

Cuttack, Odisha, October 6, 2025 The city of Cuttack in Odisha remained tense on Sunday after clashes broke out during Durga Puja idol immersion, prompting the government to impose a 36-hour curfew and suspend internet services across several areas. The violence reportedly began over disagreements regarding loud music during a procession in the Dargah Bazaar area and escalated into wider unrest affecting multiple parts of the city. According to police and eyewitnesses, the first clash occurred between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday, when a Durga idol immersion procession moving toward the Kathajodi river was stopped by locals objecting to high-decibel music late at night. The situation quickly turned violent, with stones and glass bottles thrown from rooftops as members of the procession retaliated. Several people, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, were injured. The police intervened using a mild lathi charge to restore order. At least six arrests have been made so far, and authorities are reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify others involved. One person sustained serious injuries and was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, while the DCP is reported to be stable. Tensions rose again on Sunday evening after a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally defied district administration restrictions. The rally began from Bidyadharpur and passed through Dargah Bazaar before ending at Sector 11 of the CDA area. Several shops were vandalised, and CCTV cameras along the route were damaged. The Commissionerate Police used mild force to disperse those attempting to disturb the peace. In response to the unrest, the Odisha government suspended internet services from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday in areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and adjoining 42 Mauza region. The suspension aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb inflammatory social media content. Police presence has been significantly increased in sensitive localities, with Central Armed Police Forces deployed to assist local law enforcement. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, appealed to residents to maintain Cuttack’s centuries-old tradition of communal harmony. He stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible and assured free medical treatment for those injured. Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also urged calm, expressing concern over the violence and alleging administrative lapses under the new government. The VHP has announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, citing administrative failure during the Durga Puja festivities. Political leaders across parties, including Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, condemned the attempts to disrupt communal unity and called for strict legal action against offenders. Immersion activities, halted briefly after Saturday’s violence, resumed under tight police security on Sunday morning and concluded by 9:30 am. Authorities continue to maintain high alert, with additional forces stationed at vulnerable points and prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent public gatherings. Cuttack remains under close watch as officials strive to restore peace and normalcy in the city. Cuttack Under Curfew After Durga Puja Clashes Cuttack city in Odisha faced unrest after clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion in the Dargah Bazaar area. The violence, reportedly triggered by disagreements over loud music, led the administration to impose a 36-hour curfew and suspend internet services to prevent misinformation. Several people were injured, and at least six arrests have been made. A VHP rally on Sunday further heightened tensions, prompting increased police presence and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and immersion activities resumed under tight security. Residents are urged to stay calm and follow safety instructions.