In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government has suspended internet services in areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region. The suspension is effective from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday, aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation.
According to officials, CCTV cameras installed along the route were damaged, and shops in the Gourishankar Park area were allegedly set on fire after police stopped a procession. The rally began at Bidyadharpur on the eastern outskirts of the city and moved through key areas, including the Dargah Bazar locality—the epicentre of the violence that occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday—before ending at Sector 11 of CDA on the city’s western fringe. Participants were heard chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as they proceeded through the city.
Appealing for peace, Majhi also warned that strict action will be taken against violators. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Majhi expressed sorrow over the disturbances and appealed to citizens to maintain communal harmony.
“Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its brotherhood. Due to the actions of some miscreants, the peace of the city has been disturbed in recent days,” he said. The Chief Minister assured that the government is closely monitoring troublemakers and that strict legal action will be taken against them.
Patnaik also expressed concern over the law and order situation, emphasizing that Odisha has the reputation of being a peace-loving state.
Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdus of Congress expressed sadness and worry over the recent developments. “Our city is a living example of unity and tradition where Durga Puja has been celebrated for over 500 years. Those who tried to disrupt this unity, identified through CCTV, drone, and mobile footage, should be punished as per the law,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour bandh in the city on October 6 in protest against the group clash during the Durga idol procession.
Clashes broke out between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area when an immersion procession was heading towards Debigara on the banks of the Kathajodi river.
Officials reported that violence erupted after some locals objected to high-decibel music being played during the procession. The situation escalated into a confrontation when a mob began pelting stones and glass bottles from rooftops, injuring several revellers, including Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
According to police, six persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
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