Bhubaneswar: The late Friday clashes, which allegedly stemmed from disagreements over loud music during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Dargah Bazaar area, spiralled into an internet shutdown and appeals for peace from across the political spectrum on Sunday amid fresh incidents of violence in Odisha’s Cuttack city.
In a post on X, the Odisha Police also urged citizens to stay vigilant and not fall prey to fake videos and malicious rumours circulating on social media regarding the alleged death of a person following the clash between groups in the city.
“In the course of the clash, four individuals sustained injuries. Of these, three (Pintu Mahar, Mukesh Mahar and Subhashree Jena) have been discharged following treatment on October 2. The fourth person (Sankar Biswal) remains under medical care and is currently stable, talking and not in any danger. No fatalities have occurred in connection with this incident,” the post clarified.
It further stated that false narratives are being spread to incite hate, fear and disrupt harmony among communities. “Commissionerate Police is actively monitoring social media platforms where fake videos and inflammatory rumours are being circulated. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading misinformation. We urge the public to act responsibly, refrain from forwarding unverified messages, and report any suspicious content to the authorities immediately,” it added.
Commissioner of Police S Devdutt Singh also reiterated the same through a presser and issued a stern warning to the rumour-mongers. He informed that the bike rally this evening was carried out by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in protest against the Friday clash, despite police refusing permission for the same amid heightened law and order concerns. “They were stopped while attempting to move into communally sensitive areas. Following which they pelted police with stones. A total of 25 cops were injured and eight among them sustained serious injuries. Police then resorted to a lathi-charge and fired rubber bullets to disperse the protestors,” he said, adding that the situation is under control.
Singh also announced a 36-hour curfew across 13 police limits in Cuttack. “Emergency services, govt offices, schools and basic 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. No leniency will be shown toward troublemakers,” he stressed.
He further stated that those involved in disrupting peace in the city will be identified and arrested.
The curfew has come amid the 12-hour bandh call given by the VHP on Monday.
Director-General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, who is in the city, also told the media: “The situation in Cuttack is currently under control. Police are closely monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against all anti-social elements involved in the violence… I would like to inform all residents of Cuttack not to trust any rumour. They should immediately check the police website, the Commissionerate’s website, and their Twitter handle. Understand the facts presented there…”
