Odisha Government Imposes Prohibitory Orders in Cuttack Following Fresh Violence During Durga Idol Immersion

In response to fresh violence in Cuttack during a Durga idol immersion, the Odisha government has imposed prohibitory orders in 13 police station areas and suspended internet services to prevent misinformation.

The Odisha government has imposed prohibitory orders in 13 police station areas of Cuttack and suspended internet services following fresh violence that injured 25 people. This unrest occurred during a Durga idol immersion procession. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh announced the orders would last for 36 hours starting from 10 pm on Sunday.

Internet services were halted in regions under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and Bayalis Mauza from 7 pm on Sunday until 7 pm on Monday. This measure aimed to curb misinformation spread. The violence erupted after a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally defied district administration orders.

Prohibitory Orders and Internet Suspension

The prohibitory orders cover Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markat Nagar, CDA Phase-2, Malgodam, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalis Mouza, and Sadar. Singh stated that rally participants turned violent when stopped by security personnel. "As the rally participants’ entry into the sensitive area was aimed to create disharmony, the police stopped them, following which they started pelting stones," he said.

Police used mild lathicharge, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Among the injured were eight police officers. Singh also reported injuries from a previous clash between Friday night and Saturday morning. Four people and two personnel were hurt; three have been discharged from hospital.

Previous Clashes and Social Media Monitoring

Clashes broke out early Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in Daraghabazar during an immersion procession heading to Debigara by the Kathajodi river. Violence escalated when locals objected to loud music, leading to stone and bottle throwing from rooftops. Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo was among those injured.

Singh highlighted false narratives on social media about one injured person's health condition. "Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading misinformation," he said. He urged the public not to forward unverified messages and report suspicious content.

Security Measures and Political Reactions

In response to Sunday's violence, CCTV cameras were damaged and shops in Gourishankar Park were allegedly set on fire after police halted the procession. Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde described these incidents as "unfortunate" but assured that the situation is now under control.

A total of 10 companies of security personnel have been deployed in Cuttack with additional forces requested. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other leaders appealed for communal harmony. Majhi noted that Cuttack's peace has been disturbed by some miscreants' actions.

Community Leaders Call for Peace

Former CM Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over law and order issues, emphasizing Odisha's reputation as a peace-loving state. Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdus voiced her sadness and worry over recent developments. Meanwhile, the VHP announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday to protest the group clash during the Durga idol procession.

With inputs from PTI