Cuttack authorities deployed 60 police platoons and eight paramilitary companies, imposed a curfew under Section 163 BNSS, and said only essential services would remain open for the day. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has announced a 12-hour bandh on Monday.
The Odisha government on Sunday night imposed prohibitory orders in 13 police-station areas and suspended internet services in Cuttack, where 25 people were injured in fresh violence following a Durga idol immersion procession, officials said.
Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola said a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS, commonly known as a curfew, has been passed by the magistrate.
“This order will be in effect from 10 pm Sunday until 10 am Monday (October 7). We will assess the situation further and take a decision accordingly. As of today, only emergency services are open. Government offices, schools, and colleges are operating, while hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, and petrol pumps remain open. All other commercial establishments are closed,” he said.
He added that the situation was currently peaceful, with residents cooperating with authorities. “We have 60 platoons of state police forces already deployed, and today eight companies of paramilitary forces have arrived. Units such as the Rapid Action Force, BSF, CRPF, and Odisha Swift Action Force are deployed at key locations and junctions and are closely monitoring activities. We are identifying those responsible for the violence and will take action against them for damage caused to public and private property,” Bhola said.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a 12-hour bandh on Monday, accusing the administration of “complete failure” in maintaining law and order.
CLASHES DURING IDOL IMMERSION
Police said the clash erupted between 1.30 am and 2 am near Haathi Pokhari in Dargah Bazaar when locals objected to high-decibel music being played during the procession.
“Arguments soon escalated into a confrontation when a mob started throwing stones and glass bottles from rooftops on the procession, injuring several revellers, including Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo,” an official said.
Police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles and roadside stalls were damaged, and immersion activities were halted for nearly three hours before resuming under tight security, with all idols immersed by 9.30 am.
BIKE RALLY CLASH ADDS TO TENSION
Police said fresh tension flared after a group requested permission to hold a bike rally in the city. The request was denied over fears it could trigger further unrest. “When police enforced the order, clashes broke out, and eight policemen were injured in stone-throwing. The mob was later dispersed using force,” said Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Dr Suresh Debadutta Singh.
Authorities also addressed rumours regarding injuries in an earlier immersion-related incident. “All four individuals had minor injuries; three were discharged the same day, and one continues to receive treatment. Those spreading misinformation will be arrested,” Dr Singh added.
