Outlook Business Desk
Cuttack in Odisha was placed under curfew and experienced an internet suspension after fresh violence erupted on Sunday during Durga idol immersion. The curfew will continue for 36 hours, while internet services remain halted for 24 hours.
Renewed violence erupted on Sunday in Cuttack after residents protested a recent clash during an idol immersion procession. At least 25 people were injured as tensions escalated between protesters and police.
The clashes began late Friday night near Haathi Pokhari during a Durga idol immersion procession organised by the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee. Residents reportedly protested against loud music, leading to stones being thrown from rooftops, injuring several people, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police.
A separate immersion procession by the Rausapatna Durga Kali Medha committee was interrupted as the initial violence escalated. Local residents protested, accusing authorities of failing to maintain order despite strong police presence. As a result, immersion activities were temporarily halted until early Saturday.
Violence erupted again on Sunday in Dargah Bazar when protesters clashed with police, causing more injuries. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders across much of Cuttack to curb tensions and prevent further unrest.
From 7 PM on Sunday till 7 PM on Monday, mobile internet, broadband, and all messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat, have been suspended in Cuttack. The Odisha government also imposed prohibitory orders in 13 areas to maintain peace.
The 36-hour curfew and 24-hour internet suspension in Cuttack disrupted commerce, forcing shops, markets, and small businesses to close. Transport, hospitality, and services saw reduced activity, while authorities are yet to assess the full economic impact on the local economy.
Meanwhile, following the recent clashes, right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday. The city remains tense under curfew, with authorities closely monitoring sensitive areas and enforcing heightened security.