Cuttack, one of Odisha’s oldest cities known for its centuries-old communal harmony, descended into tension over the weekend after clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion spiralled into violence, curfew, and a 36-hour internet suspension.
The unrest began in the early hours of Saturday, between 1:30 and 2 a.m., when a Durga idol immersion procession passing through Dargah Bazaar towards the Kathajodi river was stopped by a group of locals who objected to the high-decibel music being played late at night. What started as a disagreement quickly escalated into stone pelting, prompting police to use a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, claimed police.
Authorities said at least six people have been arrested so far. “Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and were identified through CCTV footage. More arrests will follow,” said Police Commissioner S. Dev Datt Singh.
Police are currently reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify more individuals allegedly involved. Maktoob could not verify the identities of those detained.
Following the violence, the city administration imposed a 36-hour curfew across several areas, including Dargah Bazaar. The Odisha government also suspended internet services in regions under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza area from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
