Post by : Rameen Ariff

The thousand-year-old city of Cuttack, renowned for its centuries-old communal harmony, remained tense on Sunday following fresh clashes during the Durga Puja idol immersion celebrations. The violence erupted in the Dargah Bazaar area, allegedly due to disagreements over loud music during a late-night procession, prompting authorities to impose a curfew and suspend internet services.

Clash During Durga Puja Procession
According to local police and witnesses, the initial clash occurred between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday when a Durga idol immersion procession was halted by locals objecting to high-decibel music near the Kathajodi river. The disagreement quickly escalated as stones and glass bottles were reportedly thrown from rooftops, and some procession participants retaliated. Several people, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, sustained injuries.

Police intervened with mild lathi charges to restore order. So far, six people have been arrested, with authorities reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify further suspects. One person is reported to be in serious condition and is being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital, while the DCP is stable.

Renewed Tensions After VHP Rally
Tensions resurfaced Sunday evening after a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally, which defied restrictions, passed through the Dargah Bazaar area. Shops in Gourishankar Park were damaged and some set on fire, while CCTV cameras along the route were destroyed. Police deployed forces to disperse groups attempting to incite further unrest.

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Internet Suspension and Security Measures
In response to the escalating situation, the Odisha government suspended internet services across Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and the adjoining 42 Mauza region from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram were blocked to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed alongside local police in sensitive areas including Dargah Bazaar, Gourishankar Park, and Bidyadharpur.

Appeals for Calm from Leadership
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the incidents, urging residents to maintain peace and uphold Cuttack’s historic ethos of unity. "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," he said, assuring strict action against those responsible. Free medical treatment has been directed for all injured in the clashes.

Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also appealed for restraint, emphasizing the city’s reputation for peace and communal brotherhood. Patnaik criticized administrative lapses, stating, "The police appeared helpless, and the pressure on law enforcement is affecting order in the state."

Political Reactions and Bandh Call
The VHP announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, citing administrative failure during the idol immersion. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called out “anti-social elements” for trying to disturb communal harmony. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous highlighted Cuttack’s long tradition of peaceful Durga Puja celebrations and urged strict legal action against those identified through CCTV and drone footage.

High Alert and Resumption of Immersions
The Director General of Police, YB Khurania, chaired an emergency meeting to review law and order measures, while Chief Minister Majhi received regular updates. Despite the Saturday violence, immersion activities resumed under strict police supervision and concluded by 9:30 am Sunday, with around 120 idols immersed peacefully. Additional forces remain stationed across vulnerable points in the city, with Section 144 prohibitory orders in effect to prevent large gatherings.

Cuttack authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents, while political leaders call for unity and peace in the historic city.

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