In response to recent violent incidents, the Odisha government has temporarily suspended internet and social media services in key parts of Cuttack for 24 hours, and also imposed a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station areas to prevent further unrest.
Internet shutdown and social media ban
From 7 pm on October 5 to 7 pm on October 6, the state suspended mobile and broadband internet and blocked platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and the 42 Mauza region. The order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, cites fears that false, inflammatory messages can provoke further violence.
The government issued the directive under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency / Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
Curfew and prohibitory orders
On the other hand, from 10 pm on October 5, authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station areas such as Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lalbag, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalis (42) Mouza, and others.
Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh warned, “No miscreant or troublemaker will be spared. Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace or violate the curfew.”
He added that additional police forces have sprung into action, and round-the-clock patrolling is under way.
What triggered the unrest
The violence first began on the intervening night of October 4–5, when a Durga Puja immersion procession in the Dargah Bazaar area faced objections from locals over high-decibel music.
Clashes reportedly broke out between 1:30 am and 2:00 am, with stone and glass bottle thrown from rooftops. Among those injured was the city’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Rishikesh Khilari.
In response, police used a mild lathi charge and managed to restore order. Notably, six arrests were made soon after.
Tensions reignited when some men, seeking support for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call for a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack, organised a motorcycle rally on Sunday evening, defying restrictions.
Protesters attempted to pass through sensitive areas and clashed with police, injuring more personnel and causing property damage. For context, they damaged CCTV cameras and reportedly set several shops in Gourishankar Park ablaze.
Political Reactions And Next Steps
As mentioned earlier, the VHP called for a 12-hour bandh, while also demanding the removal of certain officials. “The authorities failed to ensure peace despite repeated requests,” said a VHP spokesperson to Mint.
Meanwhile, the state’s Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Charan Majhi appealed for calm, asserting that “Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city” known for its brotherhood, and pledged stern action against perpetrators.
Former CM and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik described the violence as…
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