Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) members armed with swords went on a rampage, vandalising and setting fire to Muslim-owned shops and violently clashing with police after being denied permission for a bike rally in predominantly Muslim areas following communal tensions the previous night. The members also raised slogans including “Hindus are brothers; all others are traitors to the country.” In response to the violence, authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services in parts of Cuttack.