The clashes allegedly stem from disagreements over loud music during a procession in the city’s Dargah Bazaar area.Odisha’s Cuttack, the thousand-year-old city long celebrated for its communal harmony, remained on edge on Sunday after fresh incidents of violence erupted following clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion two days earlier.
The clashes allegedly stem from disagreements over loud music during a procession in the city’s Dargah Bazaar area, which have since spiralled into an internet shutdown, a bandh call, and appeals for peace from across the political spectrum. The city administration has imposed a 36-hour curfew across several areas, including the Dargah Bazaar region.
According to police and witnesses, the first outbreak of violence occurred between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday, when a Durga idol immersion procession passing through the Dargha Bazaar area towards the banks of the Kathajodi river was halted by a group of locals who objected to high-decibel music being played late at night.
The disagreement quickly escalated. Stones and glass bottles were allegedly thrown from rooftops as members of the procession retaliated. Several people, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, were injured in the chaos.The police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the mob and restore order. At least six people have been arrested so far, and authorities are reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify others involved.
In the wake of the violence and rising tension, the Odisha government suspended internet services across areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday.
Officials said the move was aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and curbing inflammatory social media content. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms will remain blocked during this period.
According to police, 120 idols were eventually immersed without further incident. Additional forces remain stationed across vulnerable points in the city, with prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent public gatherings.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/internet-banned-shops-vandalised-clashes-in-odishas-cuttack-9400968