Internet Shut Down, Curbs Imposed In Cuttack After Durga Idol Immersion Violence; VHP Calls Bandh
The Odisha government on Sunday suspended internet services across large parts of Cuttack and imposed prohibitory orders after violent clashes broke out between two communities during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession. The situation remains tense, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for a 12-hour city-wide bandh on Monday.The state Home Department ordered a 48-hour shutdown of all internet and social media services, effective from 7 PM on Sunday, to prevent the spread of “provocative and inflammatory messages.”
The violence first erupted late on Friday night in the sensitive Dargha Bazaar area when a group of locals reportedly objected to loud music being played during an immersion procession. The altercation quickly escalated, with stones and glass bottles hurled from rooftops, injuring at least half a dozen people, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.Tensions flared again on Sunday afternoon when fresh clashes erupted between police and protestors, leading to a lathi-charge and injuries to six more police officials and some media personnel.
In response to the escalating situation, police have arrested six people and are scanning CCTV footage to identify more culprits involved in the rioting. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the violence, directing police to take strict action and asserting that “communal harmony is non-negotiable.”The VHP has blamed police inaction for the violence and called for a 12-hour bandh across Cuttack on Monday, demanding action against negligent officials.
In anticipation of further unrest, a massive security contingent, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), has been deployed across the city, conducting flag marches in sensitive areas like Dargha Bazaar, Mangalabag, and Choudhury Bazaar to maintain order.