Cuttack on High Alert after Fresh Clashes during Durga Puja Immersion

Cuttack: Odisha’s ancient city of Cuttack, renowned for its millennium-old legacy of communal harmony, is currently gripped by unrest following renewed incidents of violence that erupted after the Durga Puja idol immersion. The disturbances, reportedly sparked by disagreements over loud music in the Dargah Bazaar locality, have triggered widespread concern, an internet ban, and appeals for calm across political circles. Authorities have now enforced a 36-hour curfew in the most sensitive pockets of the city, including Dargah Bazaar.

Violence at Dargah Bazaar

According to eyewitnesses and police sources, the initial clash broke out between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday. The procession, en route to the Kathajodi river for idol immersion, was halted by a group opposing high-volume music during late hours. The situation deteriorated rapidly as stone-pelting and bottle-throwing followed. In the ensuing chaos, several people, including Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, were injured. Police resorted to mild lathi charges to disperse the crowd. So far, six individuals have been detained, and CCTV, drone, and mobile recordings are being analyzed to trace others.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh said, “Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and were identified through CCTV footage. More arrests will follow.” One seriously injured person was admitted to SCB Medical College, while the DCP’s condition remains stable.

Renewed Tensions During VHP Rally

Just as calm seemed to return, tensions reignited on Sunday after a motorcycle rally organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) violated administrative restrictions. The rally began from Bidyadharpur, traversed through Dargah Bazaar, the site of earlier clashes, and ended at Sector 11, CDA. Several shops near Gourishankar Park were vandalized, and CCTV cameras were damaged. Police intervened using mild force to contain the situation.

Internet Ban and Heightened Security

To prevent the dissemination of rumors and inflammatory content, internet services have been suspended across Cuttack city and adjoining regions until Monday evening. Social platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram remain inaccessible. The administration has deployed additional security forces, including Central Armed Police personnel, across vulnerable zones.

Leaders Appeal for Peace

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed concern, “Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its unity and communal harmony. Due to the actions of some miscreants, peace has been disturbed.” He promised stern action and free medical care for the injured.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the unrest, calling it “deeply concerning,” and alleged administrative negligence under the new government. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous emphasized, “Our city has celebrated Durga Puja for over 500 years; those disrupting harmony must face legal consequences.”

The city remains under Section 144, with immersion activities completed under strict police surveillance. Over 120 idols were finally immersed peacefully by Sunday morning, restoring a semblance of order in the heritage city.