The Odisha Government on Sunday imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspension of Internet services, following tensions due to the violent clashes during the Durga idol immersion procession in Cuttack.
The curfew from Sunday night (10 pm) across 13 police stations is restricted to Cuttack to control the violence and restore order. It covers major localities such as Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, and Jagatpur.
Internet and messaging services, including social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, were already shut down in evening 7 pm across Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 Mauza regions. It will remain suspended for 24 hours until 7 pm on Monday. According to the authorities, this is to avoid the spread of any misinformation through "inflammatory and provocative messages."
How did violence break out in Cuttack?On Friday night, during the Durga idol immersion procession near Cuttack's Haathi Pokhari region, some locals objected to loud music. Amid confrontation, the situation escalated with stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from rooftops, which injured several people, including DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
Violence escalated on SundayIt did not stop on Friday night; new clashes erupted on Sunday. A motorcycle rally, which was organised by VHP, without any permission from the authorities, turned violent. When the riders were stopped by the security personnel, they started throwing stones, followed by fire. The police confronted them with tear gas and rubber bullets, with eight personnel injured.
The rioters had set 9-10 locations near Gourishankar Park ablaze, damaging shops, CCTV cameras, among others. The rally, which was held by VHP supporters, was conducted on the Bjrakbati road on Sunday, where they raised controversial slogans as they demanded the removal of a minority community. It escalated communa; tensions driving widespread outrage.
Protesting the clashes, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad announced a 12-hour Cuttack bandh on Monday. They accused some officials of negligence, demanding strict action against them. The bandh and the curfew have been called at the same time, with heavy security deployed to keep the situation in control. The Police and Rapid Action Force personnel are holding flag marches to maintain law and order.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that communal harmony is non-negotiable and there will be strict action against culprits. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have also urged the citizens to maintain communal harmony.
So far, six individuals have been arrested by the police. They are reviewing footage drawn from the CCTV and drones to identify more suspects.