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.
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.
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.
Dr Singh confirmed that a curfew will be imposed in certain areas of Cuttack to maintain peace and prevent any further escalation.
Members of Puja committees staged demonstrations demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack. The VHP, blaming the district administration for the unrest, demanded the transfer of both the DCP and district collector.
“The authorities failed to ensure peaceful immersion despite repeated requests,” said a VHP spokesperson, announcing a dawn-to-dusk bandh in the city on October 6.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) condemned the violence, blaming “anti-social elements” for attempting to disrupt communal harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured strict action against those responsible and directed officials to provide free medical care to the injured.
BJD MP Sulata Deo said, “Cuttack is a city of brotherhood where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians have always lived in harmony. What happened is extremely unfortunate. This government can neither handle law and order nor protect women. Since the BJP government came to power, the crime rate has increased.”
In a statement, the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had expressed deep sorrow over the violence and appealed for calm.
“Cuttack city is a unique example of brotherhood. However, for the last few days, due to some troublemakers, peace has been disturbed in the city and the life of the common people is being disrupted,” the CM said. “The government is keeping an eye on such elements, and strict action will be taken as per law.”
Majhi also directed officials to ensure free medical treatment for the injured and continuous monitoring of sensitive areas.
Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera confirmed that rioters set fires at several locations near Gouri Shankar Park. “We received information that rioters had set fire at 8-10 places. We have extinguished the fire, but they are throwing stones at us. Police have been deployed to control the situation,” he said.
Additional forces have been stationed across key zones, with senior police officers monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
In a major preventive measure, the Odisha Home Department suspended all internet and data services across Cuttack city, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, and other platforms, from 7 pm on October 5 to 7 pm on October 6.
The order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, stated that the decision was taken under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
“It has come to the notice of the State Government that anti-social elements may misuse internet platforms to circulate false, provocative, and inflammatory messages, threatening public peace,” the order said.
The suspension covers the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area, the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area, and the 42 Mauza Region, aiming to curb the spread of rumours and restore peace.
Authorities have also imposed prohibitory orders across 13 police station areas to prevent fresh violence, giving police powers to take strict action against troublemakers.
With six arrests made so far and CCTV, drone footage, and eyewitness accounts under review, police say more suspects will be identified soon. The administration has urged residents to maintain calm as Cuttack braces for the VHP bandh on Monday.
