Durga Puja Violence in Odisha’s Cuttack leading to a 36-hour curfew, internet suspension, 25 injuries, and political unrest.”
Cuttack, a city in Odisha well known for its spectacular Durga Puja Violence in Odisha’s, saw an unexpected turn of events last weekend. What began as a simple idol immersion procession ended in clashes after a disagreement arose from loud DJ music. In the chaos that followed, 25 people were injured, including police officers, which led the state government to implement a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station areas and suspend internet services to stop misinformation from spreading.
This incident has provoked political reactions, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for a bandh and officials pledging strict action against the events that took place.
Festivities Turned to Violence
What began as a jubilant Durga Puja idol immersion procession in the Dargha bazaar-Haathi Pokhari region in Cuttack turned violent late on Friday evening. The clashes appear to have started from a controversy regarding the loud DJ music played as part of the procession. Others around the procession said that suddenly stones were being thrown and that people were attacking from roofs of buildings, which created panic.
The police responded quickly and initiated a lathi-charge evacuation of the violent mob. During the ongoing commotion, Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Khilari reported injuries for himself and others. Subsequently, police arrested at least six people for their involvement in the original outbreak of violence.
Durga Puja Violence in Odisha’s Cuttack: Violence Re-erupted on Sunday
Just when it appeared calm was restored, violence erupted again on late Sunday evening. A motorcycle rally, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), sought passage through prohibited zones, in violation of the prohibitory orders. The result of VHP attempting to break prohibitory orders produced an immediate outbreak of stone pelting, vandalized shops and vehicles, and scattering reports of arson in nearby areas. A total of 25 persons were injured, including eight police personnel.
Government Action: Curfew and Internet Shutdown
In order to avoid further unrest in an already volatile situation, the Odisha government announced a 36-hour curfew that will start at 10 PM on Sunday night, in thirteen police station jurisdictions including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lalbagh, Badambadi, Jagatpur, and others.
In a decisive step to counter misinformation and incendiary content on social media platforms, the government also suspended internet services and social media — which includes WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X — from 7 PM Sunday to 7 PM Monday.
In addition, over 1,800 state police officers and 800 paramilitary forces, alongside Odisha Swift Action Force, were deployed to patrol and maintain law and order in the city. During this time, forces sealed the city limits and restricted movement, allowing only emergencies like services of medical assistance to continue.
Durga Puja Violence in Odisha’s Cuttack: FAQs
Q1. What led to the violence in Cuttack?
A: The violence arose out of an altercation regarding loud DJ music during the procession involving immersion of Durga Puja idol, which led to stone-pelting and clashes between two groups.
Q2. How did the Odisha government react to the situation?
A: The authorities enforced a curfew for 36 hours in 13 police station areas and suspended internet services for 24 hours to manage the unrest.
Q3. How many people were hurt in the incident?
A: At least 25 persons including eight police personnel were wounded in the violence.
Q4. Why did the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) call for a “bandh”?
A: The VHP criticized the administration for failing to enforce law and order during the procession of immersion of idol, and declared a 12 hour “bandh”.
Q5. What steps are being taken to ensure justice is served?
A: Police view CCTV and data from drone surveillance as well as other eyewitness accounts in an effort to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in the violence.
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