Tension gripped Cuttack, Odisha, following violent clashes at a Durga idol immersion procession over the weekend. Following the fresh wave of violence on Sunday, the district administration announced a 36-hour curfew starting at 10 PM in several parts of the city. A 24-hour ban was also imposed on the internet and social media services to avert any further escalation of violence.
The clashes erupted around 1:30 AM on Friday night in the Dargha Bazaar area, when some locals reportedly objected to loud music being played during the immersion procession near the Haathi Pokhari area. Reportedly, the confrontation switched from an argument to violence, with stones and glass bottles being thrown from rooftops onto the crowd below.
The violence escalated out of control, causing injuries to several individuals, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, who suffered an eye injury while monitoring the situation. Police had to resort to lathi charge to control the mob. Several parked motorcycles and vehicles, as well as roadside stalls, were vandalized in the face of violence.
The disturbances interrupted not only the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee’s band procession on Saturday but also the immersion procession conducted by the Rausapatna Durga Kali Medha Committee. The sudden eruption of violence caught residents off guard, with many blaming the police for their inability to manage the crowd, despite the presence of a large number of police officers in the area.
Following the temporary halt of immersion duties on Saturday, the situation flared up into violence again the following day, Sunday. Protesters had gathered in the area of Dargah Bazaar and confronted police, which led to additional injuries and panic. Reports state that at least 25 individuals were injured in the renewed violence.
In response, the Odisha government enforced prohibitory orders in 13 police station areas under section 144, including Dargah Bazaar, Purighat, Mangalabag, Lalbagh, and Jagatpur. Additionally, to counteract the spread of misinformation and maintain peace, the administration suspended internet and social media for 24 hours. That is, messaging platforms and social apps — WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) were blocked temporarily.
Security measures have been strengthened in sensitive areas, with further police and paramilitary forces deployed to help restore law and order. Officials are analyzing footage from CCTV and drones to identify those associated with the violence. Senior officials have requested that residents remain calm and not to spread confusion. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has appealed to people to exercise peace and harmony, and assured strict action will be taken against offenders. Local leaders and representatives of the community were also advised to help restore normalcy and prevent further disruption. As of now, Cuttack is under curfew, with strict conditions on movements and gatherings. The bans on internet and social media will also remain in place until the situation returns to normal. The administration has been clear that its focus is on maintaining law and order and it has suggested cooperation from citizens. The city, which is normally bustling with activity for Durga Puja celebrations, has now disappeared under heavy police presence. The residents are hoping for a simple outcome — for peace to return and in short for life to return to normal.
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