Odisha Cuttack News: Curfew Imposed After Violent Clashes During Durga Puja Procession

Curfew Declared in Cuttack, Odisha, Following Durga Puja Violence

A curfew has been imposed in Cuttack, Odisha, after violent clashes erupted during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession on Friday night. Authorities have suspended internet and social media services and placed stringent restrictions across the city to maintain law and order.

The violence began when locals reportedly objected to loud music being played during the procession, leading to heated altercations that quickly escalated. To restore normalcy, 60 platoons of Odisha Police and eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across sensitive areas of Cuttack.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed for peace, urging residents to “maintain harmony and uphold the city’s legacy of brotherhood.”

Odisha Police Identifies Culprits Behind Cuttack Violence

The Odisha Police has identified several individuals believed to be responsible for Friday night’s communal clashes in Cuttack. According to Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, “The troublemakers have been identified, and strict action will follow.”

Kumar confirmed that Cuttack is returning to normalcy but emphasized that the curfew remains in force until further notice. He added that 50–60 platoons of police and six CAPF companies continue to patrol the city to prevent any further disturbances.

Police Appeal to Residents for Calm

Authorities have urged citizens not to believe in rumors or misinformation circulating on social media. Essential services, such as medical facilities, markets, and emergency movement, are exempt from the curfew. However, unlawful gatherings remain strictly prohibited.

Kumar stated, “Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order. We appeal to all to cooperate with police efforts to maintain peace.”

Chief Minister and Opposition Call for Communal Harmony

CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s Message to the Public

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the violence, describing it as “deeply unfortunate.” He said the government is “closely monitoring the situation” and will ensure those responsible face legal action.

He further added, “Cuttack, a city with a millennium-old heritage, has always symbolized peace and harmony. These disturbances by a few individuals threaten to disrupt our unity, and such behavior will not be tolerated.”

Naveen Patnaik Urges for Unity

Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik also appealed to residents to preserve Cuttack’s long-standing tradition of communal unity. “Cuttack has always upheld the spirit of togetherness. Let’s ensure peace prevails once again,” Patnaik said in a statement.

Background: How the Cuttack Clashes Erupted

The clashes broke out during the immersion procession near Haathi Pokhari and Dargah Bazaar late Friday night. What started as a verbal dispute over loud music soon turned violent, resulting in stone-pelting, vandalism, and multiple injuries, including senior police officers.

Authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew starting Sunday night, following the suspension of internet and social media services across large parts of Cuttack to prevent the spread of fake news.

Odisha Cuttack News Forensic and intelligence teams have been deployed to investigate social media’s role in inciting the violence, while several suspects have been detained for questioning.

Eight Arrested Amid Curfew and Internet Ban in Odisha’s Cuttack

Arrests and Investigations

In a significant update, eight people were arrested in connection with the violent incidents in Cuttack. Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that three cases have been registered so far.

“The situation is under control,” Singh told reporters, adding that more arrests are expected after reviewing CCTV footage and conducting raids across the city.

Police Officers Injured During Clashes

Senior officers Amarenda Panda and Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo were among 25 people injured in the clashes. Panda was admitted to the ICU at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.

VHP Calls 12-Hour Bandh; Violence Reported in Daraghabazar Area

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called a 12-hour bandh on Monday, alleging that police failed to prevent the violence during the immersion procession. The bandh began at 6 a.m. and saw mixed responses across the city.

A motorcycle rally organized by VHP activists was stopped by police near the trouble-hit area, triggering another round of stone-pelting. Officers resorted to lathi-charge, tear gas, and rubber bullets to control the situation. Several shops in Gourishankar Park were reportedly set on fire.

Despite the unrest, no major incidents were reported during the bandh, and markets, petrol pumps, and government offices functioned with limited attendance.

Security Tightened Across Cuttack: 2,600 Police Personnel Deployed

To maintain control, the police have deployed 1,800 Odisha Police personnel and 800 CAPF and Swift Action Force members across Cuttack. Entry points to the city have been sealed, with exceptions for essential workers and hospital patients.

ACP Narasingha Bhol confirmed that checkpoints have been established at all entry routes to prevent anti-social elements from entering the city. “Passenger buses are being stopped and checked. Strict vigilance is in place,” he added.

Odisha Police Warns Against Fake News and Social Media Rumors

The Odisha Police has issued an official statement warning citizens not to spread fake or inflammatory content online. “Some individuals are trying to create unrest by spreading false news. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” the statement read. Authorities urged residents to verify information before sharing and cooperate with law enforcement during this sensitive period.