Cuttack, Odisha: The city of Cuttack, Odisha, is currently under high security and facing an internet and social media blackout following a surge of fresh violence and communal tension that erupted after clashes linked to a Durga idol immersion procession. Authorities have imposed a 36-hour curfew across 13 police station areas to contain the unrest, which has left at least 25 people injured, including police personnel.
The Odisha government suspended all internet and social media services—including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter)—from 7 PM on Sunday, to 7 PM on Monday. The move, covering the Cuttack Municipal Corporation area and surrounding regions, aims to prevent the circulation of inflammatory messages and curb the spread of misinformation that could further escalate communal tension.
Escalation of Violence
The initial clashes broke out late Friday night/early Saturday morning near the Dargah Bazaar area during a Durga idol immersion procession. Reports indicate the violence was triggered by objections from locals to high-decibel music being played late at night. The confrontation rapidly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
Tensions flared again on Sunday when a bike rally, organised by a group despite being denied permission by the administration, clashed with security forces. Police resorted to a mild lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the aggressive crowd, who reportedly pelted stones, set fire to multiple locations near Gourishankar Park, and vandalised shops and CCTV cameras. Eight police personnel were among the injured in the Sunday violence.
Curfew Imposed and Security Tightened
In response to the escalating violence, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh announced a 36-hour curfew effective from Sunday night across 13 sensitive police station limits, including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, and Lal Bagh, among others. Essential services have been exempted from the restrictions.
Security deployment has been significantly heightened, with around 60 platoons of police force and eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) stationed across the city. Police and RAF personnel have been conducting flag marches in sensitive areas to restore public confidence and maintain law and order.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the disruption of peace in the “city of brotherhood” and assured that strict legal action would be taken against all “anti-social elements” responsible for the violence. The CM also appealed to citizens to maintain calm and communal harmony.
Political Reactions and Bandh Call
The violence has drawn political reactions, with former CM Naveen Patnaik and other leaders appealing for peace. Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced a 12-hour Cuttack bandh on Monday to protest the administrative lapses they claim led to the violence. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the city remains on edge, awaiting a full return to normalcy.
