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Violence erupted during Goddess Durga idol immersion in Cuttack, injuring several including DCP. Internet was suspended and VHP called a bandh on October 6.
Heavy police force deployed after a clash erupts during Durga Puja immersion, in Cuttack. (X)
Cuttack Violence: Tensions gripped Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday following violent clashes during Goddess Durga idol immersion, prompting the state government to suspend internet services and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to call a 12-hour bandh on October 6.
Clashes broke out between 1:30 am and 2 am near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area, as an immersion procession was heading towards Debigara on the banks of the Kathajodi river, news agency PTI reported, citing the police.
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What Led To Violence?
As per officials, the unrest erupted after some locals objected to high-decibel music being played during the procession. The arguments soon escalated into a confrontation as stones and glass bottles were allegedly hurled from rooftops onto the participants, leaving several people injured, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
The police then resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and control the law and order situation.
A number of vehicles and roadside stalls were damaged during the clash. Immersion activities were halted for nearly three hours as members of Puja committees staged a protest demanding the arrest of those involved in the attack.
Six Held So Far, VHP Blames Administration
Under heavy police deployment, the remaining idols were immersed by 9:30 am. So far, six people have been arrested, with authorities using CCTV footage, drone visuals, and eyewitness accounts to identify other culprits.
Meanwhile, the VHP alleged administrative failure and demanded the immediate transfer of the DCP and the district collector for their “inability to maintain law and order.”
“The authorities failed to ensure peaceful immersion despite repeated requests,” a VHP spokesperson said.
The organisation has also called a dawn-to-dusk bandh in protest on Monday.
Internet Suspended For 24 Hours
Further, the Odisha Government ordered a temporary suspension of internet and social media services in parts of Cuttack.
In an official notification issued by the Home Department, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu stated that the decision was taken to prevent the spread of false, provocative, and inflammatory messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat, which could disturb public peace and order.
As per the order, the restrictions will remain in effect from 7 PM on October 5 to 7 PM on October 6, under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
Additional police forces have been deployed across sensitive areas in Cuttack, with prohibitory orders imposed to prevent further escalation.
Senior police officers are monitoring the situation closely.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
Cuttack, India, India
October 05, 2025, 20:39 IST
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