Cuttack: The Millennium City of Odisha, where fresh violence prompted the government to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS across 13 police station areas and suspend internet services, remained peaceful on Monday.
About 60 platoons of police force and eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to maintain the law and order. All the entry points in Cuttack have also been blocked to rule out the possibility of the entry of anti-social elements from outside.
Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhol, who has been patrolling the city since last night, urged people to stay indoors unless there is any emergency. “All commercial establishments would remain closed. Grocery shops, milk booths and vans, medicine shops, filling stations and hospitals are being allowed to remain open. Movement of students and office-goers have also been exempted from the restrictions. We will assess the situation and further decisions will be taken accordingly,” he said.
The Curfew
The curfew will continue till 10 am on Tuesday in Dargha Bazar, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Purighat, Badambadi, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Malgodown, CDA Phase-II, Markat Nagar, Sadar, Jagatpur, and 42 Mouza to address escalating tensions.
Heavy security has been deployed to prevent flare-ups amid a 12-hour Cuttack bandh call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday to protest the failure of Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo to ensure a peaceful immersion ceremony..
Internet, social media suspended
The state government suspended internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Sunday 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.
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania has appealed to the people to avoid rumours and check the websites of the police and the Commissionerate and the Twitter handles to understand any facts related to the incident.
How The Clashes Broke Out
The clashes late on Friday allegedly stemmed from disagreements over loud music during the immersion procession when the idol from Jhanjirmangala Bhagabat Sahi Puja Committee was en route to Devigada for immersion. The confrontation allegedly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from rooftops, injuring several people, including the Cuttack DCP.
Police later resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob. The procession was also halted briefly after members of the Puja committee staged a dharna demanding immediate arrest of the miscreants.
The clash caused panic, damage to vehicles, and disruption to the immersion schedule leaving over 40 idols stranded for nearly three hours. The immersion finally concluded at 9.30 am Saturday amid heavy police deployment with forces also on the rooftops of buildings on both sides of the route.
‘No Death In Cuttack Clash’
The Commissionerate Police has 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 late on Friday during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Dargah Bazaar area. “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 on X clarified.
Fresh Violence
On Sunday, the city saw fresh violence during a motorcycle rally organised by the VHP, defying administrative orders. Protesters turned violent when stopped from entering sensitive areas and pelted police with stones.
A total of 25 policemen were injured, eight among them seriously.
Police then resorted to a lathi-charge and fired rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.
Rioters also set fire at 8–10 locations near Gourishankar Park, damaged shops and CCTV cameras.
Stern Warning For Troublemakers
Commissioner of Police S Devdutt Singh issued a stern warning, stating that no leniency will be shown toward troublemakers. “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.
Appeal For Peace & Harmony
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, OPCC president Bhakta Das and local MLAs have urged people to maintain peace and uphold the city’s tradition of unity and goodwill. “Communal harmony is non-negotiable. The culprits will face exemplary punishment,” CM Majhi said in a statement.