Communal Tensions Erupt in Cuttack Following Durga Puja Idol Immersion Clashes

In the wake of the violence and rising tension, the Odisha government suspended internet services.

Cuttack:

Odisha's Cuttack, the millennium-old city renowned for its harmonious coexistence between communities, remained tense on Sunday following new outbreaks of violence after clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion processions two days prior.

The conflicts reportedly originated from disputes over loud music played during a procession in the city's Dargah Bazaar area, which have subsequently escalated into an internet shutdown, a call for bandh, and pleas for peace from leaders across political divides. City authorities have implemented a 36-hour curfew across multiple areas, including the Dargah Bazaar neighborhood.

According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the initial violence erupted between 1:30 am and 2:00 am on Saturday, when a Durga idol immersion procession moving through the Dargha Bazaar area toward the Kathajodi riverbanks was stopped by local residents protesting against high-volume music being played during late hours.

The confrontation quickly intensified. Reports indicate stones and glass bottles were hurled from rooftops as procession participants retaliated. Several individuals, including Cuttack's Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, sustained injuries during the disturbance.

Police forces conducted a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and restore order. At least six individuals have been arrested thus far, with authorities examining CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify additional participants.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh stated, "Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and were identified through CCTV footage. More arrests will follow."

Officials reported one person suffered serious injuries requiring admission to the SCB Medical College and Hospital. The DCP's condition is reported to be stable.

While the city attempted recovery, tensions flared again Sunday evening after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a motorcycle demonstration that contravened the district administration's restrictions.

The rally, beginning from Bidyadharpur on the eastern outskirts, traversed through Dargah Bazaar—the epicenter of previous clashes—before concluding at Sector 11 of the CDA area.

Officials reported that CCTV cameras along the route were damaged, and numerous shops in the Gourishankar Park area were vandalized and allegedly set ablaze.

The Commissionerate Police employed moderate force to disperse groups attempting to disrupt peace.

In response to the violence and mounting tension, the Odisha government suspended internet services across regions under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the neighboring 42 Mauza area from 7 pm Sunday until 7 pm Monday.

Officials explained the measure aimed to prevent misinformation spread and limit inflammatory social media content. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and similar platforms remain inaccessible during this period.

Police presence has been substantially increased throughout sensitive locations, including Dargah Bazaar, Gourishankar Park, and Bidyadharpur. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been deployed to support local law enforcement.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, expressed regret over the incidents and urged residents to uphold Cuttack's centuries-old tradition of brotherhood.

"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 in recent days," Mr Majhi said in a statement.

He affirmed that the government was closely monitoring developments and promised strict action against those responsible.

"The government is keeping a close watch on troublemakers. No one will be spared. Strict legal action will follow," he assured.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to provide complimentary medical treatment to those injured during the clashes.

Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik—now Opposition leader—also called for restraint. "Odisha has always been a peace-loving state," he remarked, describing the violence as "deeply concerning."

He added, "Such an unpleasant situation in Cuttack, the city of brotherhood, is alarming."

Patnaik alleged administrative failures under the new government, stating, "The police appeared completely helpless in controlling the situation. The pressure on the police under the BJP government is disrupting law and order in the state."

The VHP has announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, claiming administrative failure to ensure peaceful idol immersion.

"The authorities failed to ensure peace despite repeated requests," a VHP spokesperson said, demanding the transfer of the DCP and district collector.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accused "anti-social elements" of attempting to disrupt communal harmony. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, representing the Barabati-Cuttack constituency, expressed distress over the developments.

"Our city is a living example of unity and tradition-Durga Puja has been celebrated here for more than 500 years. Those who tried to disrupt this unity, identified through CCTV and drone footage, must be punished as per the law," she stated.

The Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania chaired an emergency meeting with senior officers to evaluate the law and order situation. Senior Home Department officials confirmed that Chief Minister Majhi has been receiving regular updates.

Immersion activities, halted for nearly three hours following Saturday's violence, resumed under tight police security and concluded by 9:30 am on Sunday.

According to police, 120 idols were eventually immersed without further incident. Additional forces remain positioned across vulnerable areas in the city, with prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent public gatherings.

(With inputs from Dev Kumar Ghosh)