Tension Erupts During Durga Idol Immersion Procession In Odisha’s Cuttack

Cuttack: A day after Dussehra came to an end, tension erupted during Durga idol immersion in Odisha’s Cuttack city on Thursday.

According to sources, the tableaus of all puja committees from across the city congregated at Gourishankar Park to go in the procession one by one from there in the morning. An argument ensued between the organisers of Bhagabatpur and Kusumpur puja committees over who would begin the procession.

The verbal duel between the two groups belonging to the two localities soon escalated into a violent clash. The physical attack led to stone pelting by the groups at each other. Several people from both groups suffered injuries in the clash.

As the situation went out of control of the police deployed there, additional forces were rushed to the spot to restore normalcy. Additional DCP, Cuttack, Anil Kumar Mishra also went to the place and brought the situation under control.

Speaking to the media, the DCP said the people of the two localities had rivalry previously. But the clash was not over earlier issues. Admitting that the fight ensued over starting the processions for the Durga idol immersion, he said the situation has been brought under control and both tableaus would begin with a time gap to prevent any dispute.

He further said the people who were engaged in stone pelting have been identified and strict actions would be taken against them. Additional police forces were deployed in the area to maintain the law and order, he added.

As per the arrangements made by the local administration, the tableaus would go in a procession from Gourihsnkar Park to Devigada on the banks of river Kathjodi for immersion of the idols. The administration has dug up 4 temporary ponds for the purpose. More than 160 idols would be immersed on the day.