Cuttack: The Commissionerate Police imposed a 36-hour curfew across several areas in Odisha’s Cuttack city, which remained on edge on Sunday as fresh incidents of violence erupted after clashes between two groups during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession.
Prohibitory orders were imposed from 10 pm in 13 police station areas, including Dargah Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase 2, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, 42 Mouza, Sadar police station area to address escalating tensions.
This followed a motorcycle rally by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) despite police refusing permission for the same, beginning at Bidyadharpur on the city’s eastern outskirts, then moving through key areas, including Dargah Bazar locality where the previous clash occurred, before ending at Sector 11 of CDA. They allegedly damaged CCTV cameras along the route and also set some shops in Gourishankar Park area on fire after police tried to stop the procession, the PTI reported.
“We received information that near the Gourishankar Park, rioters have set fire at 8-10 places. We have extinguished the fire. The rioters are pelting stones at us…Police have been deployed to control the situation,” Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera told ANI.
Clashes also broke out between police and the protesters at Dargah Bazar, resulting in injury to 25 cops, including the Dy Commissioner of Police and the local police station IIC.
Speaking to the media, Commissioner of Police S Devdutt Singh issued a stern warning, stating that no leniency will be shown toward troublemakers. “Emergency services, govt offices, schools and grocery shops have been exempted. We will not tolerate any further violence or unlawful gatherings. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in breaching the peace,” he stressed.
The curfew has come amid the 12-hour bandh call given by the VHP on Monday.
Earlier in the day, the state government suspended internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm in areas under Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the nearby 42 Mouza region to curb the spread of misinformation. Apart from a ban on internet services, restrictions have also been imposed on all messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X, as they help in circulation of “provocative and inflammatory messages” that can lead to “disturbance of public order and peace” in Cuttack, the order stated.
DGP Y B Khurania is also in Cuttack as per the instructions of CM Mohan Majhi, who had appealed to all citizens to maintain peace and order. “Communal harmony is non-negotiable. The culprits will face exemplary punishment,” Majhi said in a statement.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also expressed deep concern and urged calm.
“We urge everyone to stay calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with the police in restoring normalcy in Cuttack city. Odisha Police is fully committed to maintaining peace and order. All necessary measures are in place to ensure citizens’ safety,” Odisha police also stated in a post.
