Internet Ban Extended in Cuttack as Tensions Simmer After Durga Idol Immersion Clashes

The Odisha government on Monday extended the suspension of internet services in Cuttack city by another 24 hours, following violent clashes between two groups during a Durga idol immersion procession over the weekend. The ban, which was initially set to be lifted at 7 pm on October 6, will now remain in place until 7 pm on Tuesday, October 7, as a preventive step to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation.

The violence broke out late on Friday during a religious procession, escalating quickly and resulting in stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. The situation forced the administration to impose a 36-hour curfew across several key areas of the city, including Dargah Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Lalbag, CDA-2, Purighat, Jagatpur, Markat Nagar, Badambadi, 42 Mouza, Cuttack Sadar, Bidanasi, and Malgodown.

“We imposed a curfew after police were attacked during the rally,” said a senior official. “The situation is now under control, but security forces will continue to be deployed to ensure peace and safety.”

Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab weighed in on the incident, alleging that recently released anti-social elements were involved in instigating the violence. “There were prior intelligence reports about possible disturbances. Those with a history of creating unrest should have been kept under closer watch,” he said, pointing to possible lapses in preventive measures.

In response, law enforcement has tightened security, with additional police platoons stationed in sensitive areas. Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that eight individuals have been arrested so far for their alleged involvement in the unrest, including vandalism, setting vehicles on fire, and attacking police personnel.

“The arrests were made after analysing CCTV footage and other digital evidence. The accused are currently being interrogated,” Singh said.

While curfew restrictions are gradually being eased in some areas, the internet shutdown remains in place to prevent any escalation of tensions. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media. The government is closely monitoring the situation and will decide on lifting the restrictions based on ground reports.