Curfew and Internet Shutdown Imposed in Cuttack, Odisha, Following Communal Clashes

Cuttack Under Strict Restrictions Amidst Communal Tensions

Parts of Cuttack, Odisha, were placed under a 36-hour curfew and a 24-hour internet shutdown starting from the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025. These stringent measures were implemented by authorities to quell escalating communal tensions and clashes that erupted in the city. The restrictions aim to prevent further unrest and the spread of misinformation following incidents of violence that injured 25 police personnel and led to multiple arrests.

Origin of the Unrest: Durga Puja Procession

The initial spark for the communal disturbances occurred on Friday evening, October 3, 2025, near Haathi Pokhari in Dargah Bazaar. The violence began during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession when some local residents reportedly objected to the loud music being played. This disagreement quickly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing, causing injuries to several individuals, including DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. Police responded with a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Escalation and Administrative Response

Tensions flared again on Sunday, October 5, 2025, when a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally proceeded despite administrative restrictions. This defiance led to fresh clashes, with reports of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism, including shops near Gourishankar Park being set on fire. In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Cuttack administration imposed a 36-hour curfew across 13 police station areas, effective from 10 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, until 10 AM on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Concurrently, a 24-hour internet shutdown was enforced from 7 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to 7 PM on Monday, October 6, 2025, covering areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the 42 Mauza region. This measure was taken to curb the circulation of inflammatory messages on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X.

Security Deployment and Appeals for Peace

To maintain peace and order, a significant deployment of security forces was undertaken. This included 60 platoons of police force and eight companies of paramilitary forces, such as the Rapid Action Force (RAF), BSF, and CRPF, stationed at key locations and sensitive junctions. Authorities confirmed that six individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, with further investigations underway using CCTV footage and drone visuals. Essential services, including hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, and petrol pumps, were exempted from the curfew. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony, emphasizing Cuttack's historical legacy of brotherhood. The VHP also called for a 12-hour bandh on Monday, October 6, 2025, to protest the clashes and demand action against those responsible.