Curfew Imposed, Internet Shut Down in Cuttack, Odisha, Following Communal Clashes

Tensions Escalate in Cuttack

A 36-hour curfew has been imposed across 13 police station areas in Cuttack, Odisha, effective from Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 10 PM, following a surge in communal tensions and violent clashes. Concurrently, a 24-hour internet shutdown was implemented from 7 PM on Sunday, covering areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the 42 Mauza region. The measures aim to restore peace and prevent the spread of misinformation after incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism.

Origin of the Unrest

The initial spark for the unrest occurred on Friday, October 3, 2025, during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in the city's Dargah Bazaar area. Clashes erupted when some locals reportedly objected to loud music being played late at night. This altercation quickly escalated into stone-pelting, injuring several individuals, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

Tensions flared again on Sunday, October 5, when a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) bike rally, which reportedly lacked official permission, proceeded through sensitive areas. This led to fresh confrontations with police, resulting in further stone-pelting, damage to CCTV cameras, and the vandalism and alleged setting ablaze of several shops in the Gourishankar Park area.

Official Response and Impact

In response to the escalating violence, authorities swiftly moved to impose prohibitory orders. The internet shutdown, ordered by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, specifically targets mobile internet, broadband, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat. This decision was made to curb the circulation of 'provocative and inflammatory messages' that could further disrupt public order.

The 36-hour curfew applies to key areas including:

• Dargah Bazaar
• Mangalabag
• Cantonment
• Purighat
• Lalbag
• Bidanasi
• Markat Nagar
• CDA Phase-2
• Malgodam
• Badambadi
• Jagatpur
• Bayalis Mouza
• Sadar

Heavy deployment of security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been made across the city. At least 25 police personnel were injured during the clashes. Police have arrested at least six individuals in connection with the violence and are utilizing CCTV footage and drone visuals to identify more culprits.

Appeals for Peace

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to the public for calm and harmony, emphasizing Cuttack's long-standing tradition of 'brotherhood and communal harmony'. He assured that 'strict legal action' would be taken against those responsible for the disturbances. Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh also urged citizens not to fall prey to rumors and confirmed that all injured individuals were receiving medical attention, dispelling false reports of fatalities.

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour bandh (shutdown) on Monday, October 6, citing administrative failure to ensure peace during the idol immersion.