Violence Erupts During Durga Puja Immersion in Cuttack; Internet Suspended, Prohibitory Orders Imposed

Updated: Monday, October 6, 2025, 8:59 [IST]

Clashes broke out in Cuttack during Durga Puja idol immersion near Haathi Pokhari, leading to injuries, property damage, and heightened tensions across the city. The unrest reportedly began over objections to loud music, escalating into stone-throwing that injured Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo and several others. Vehicles and stalls were also damaged.

In response, the Odisha government imposed prohibitory orders in 13 police station areas and suspended internet services across the city, effective from 7 pm on October 5 to 7 pm on October 6. The measures cover platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X and aim to prevent misinformation while maintaining public order.

AI Summary

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Violent clashes in Cuttack during Durga Puja idol immersion near Haathi Pokhari, Odisha, resulted in injuries, property damage, and the suspension of internet services from October 5 to 6; these were triggered by objections to loud music, escalating into stone-throwing. The Odisha government imposed prohibitory orders and police used mild force, while the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called a bandh.

Violence and Response

Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera reported multiple fires set by rioters near Gouri Shankar Park, which were extinguished promptly. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd, and immersion activities were paused for nearly three hours before resuming under tight security. All idols were successfully immersed by 9:30 am.

The clashes also affected a proposed bike rally, which police had denied permission for, fearing further unrest. Stone-throwing during the enforcement of this order injured eight police officers. Officials confirmed that earlier reports of fatalities among the injured were false.

Political Reactions

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) blamed authorities for failing to maintain law and order and announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Cuttack on October 6. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) attributed the violence to "anti-social elements" attempting to disrupt communal harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured strict action against perpetrators and directed officials to provide free medical care for the injured.

The Chief Minister's Office called for calm, emphasizing Cuttack's legacy of communal harmony and vigilance over sensitive areas. So far, six arrests have been made based on CCTV footage, drone imagery, and eyewitness accounts, with more suspects expected to be identified.