Odisha Extends Internet Ban in Cuttack Until October 7 Following Communal Clashes During Durga Festival

The authorities have issued warnings that activities promoting unrest could potentially disrupt public order and peace. (File)

Bhubaneswar:

On Monday, the Odisha government extended the internet service suspension in Cuttack until 7 PM on October 7, as tensions continue following consecutive violent incidents during last week's Durga idol immersion ceremony.

Cuttack district administration has expressed significant concerns regarding the misuse of social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X for distributing provocative and inflammatory content.

Officials have cautioned that such activities pose a substantial risk to public order and community harmony.

Between Friday and Sunday, two separate violent incidents occurred in Cuttack's Daragha Bazar area, resulting in injuries to at least 31 individuals, including 10 police personnel.

The initial clash erupted during the night between Friday and Saturday during the Durga idol immersion procession, leaving six people injured.

The second violent incident took place Sunday evening when law enforcement attempted to prevent a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally from entering a sensitive area, which led to stone-throwing. This confrontation resulted in at least 25 injuries, including eight police officers.

Authorities had initially implemented a 24-hour internet suspension beginning at 7 PM on Sunday to prevent further escalation of violence.

According to Monday's Home Department notification, the internet service suspension has been extended for an additional 24 hours.

The notification stated: "It is apprehended that some anti-social elements in Cuttack City may use internet to transmit objectionable content in order to spread rumors with a view to inciting the people to commit offenses against communal harmony and cause damage to life and property and disturb peace and tranquility."

This order, however, does not affect government internet and intranet-based services, including OSWAN (Odisha State Wide Area Network), banking, railways, or other essential government operations.

"Violation of the order shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provision of law," the notification emphasized.

Previously, Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh had suggested that Sunday's clash might have been triggered by rumors circulating on social media regarding the health condition of an individual injured in the earlier confrontation. Despite the injured person receiving proper treatment and recovering well, the social media messages appeared designed to incite communal tensions.

"The police are searching the persons involved in spread of wrong message which has potential to affect the harmony in the society," Singh stated.