Odisha: Security Heightened, Internet Shut After Violent Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion In Cuttack

The Odisha government imposed a 48-hour suspension of internet and social media services across major parts of Cuttack city on Sunday following violent clashes that erupted during Durga Puja idol immersion processions. The restrictions, which came into effect from 7 PM on Sunday until 7 PM on Tuesday, cover mobile internet, broadband, and all online messaging platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Violence first broke out late Friday night in the Dargha Bazaar area when a Durga Puja immersion procession was allegedly met with objections over loud music being played. The confrontation escalated rapidly between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM near Haathi Pokhari, with stones and glass bottles reportedly being hurled from rooftops onto the crowd below. At least half a dozen people sustained injuries during the incident, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, while several vehicles and roadside stalls suffered damage in the chaos.

Tensions flared again on Sunday afternoon when fresh clashes broke out between police and protesters at Dargah Bazar. Demonstrators confronted law enforcement officers, resulting in injuries to six police officials including the DCP and the Dargah Bazar police station inspector-in-charge. Some media personnel were also injured during the confrontation, prompting police to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the advancing crowd.