Authorities in Cuttack district relaxed a stringent 36-hour curfew imposed in violence-affected areas on Tuesday, citing a peaceful 24-hour period with no fresh incidents. Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh announced the decision, noting the absence of any unrest even during a 12-hour bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday. The curfew, enforced from 10 p.m. on October 5 to 10 a.m. on October 7, will not be extended, allowing residents in sensitive zones to resume normal activities under heightened security. However, Singh refrained from confirming a full withdrawal, indicating ongoing vigilance to prevent escalation.
The unrest stemmed from two back-to-back clashes in the communally sensitive Dargha Bazar area, triggered during the Durga idol immersion procession on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The first skirmish erupted amid heightened tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups, resulting in six injuries, including civilians and police. Tensions boiled over again on Sunday evening when law enforcement halted a VHP-led bike rally from entering the restricted zone, sparking stone-pelting and arson that injured 25 more individuals—among them eight policemen—and damaged several shops.
In total, 31 people, including 10 officers, sustained injuries, with reports of gutted commercial establishments underscoring the rapid spread of mob fury. The incidents reflect recurring flashpoints in Cuttack, a historic city with a diverse demographic, where processions often intersect with minority enclaves, as seen in similar flare-ups during 2023's Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
Restrictions covered 13 police station jurisdictions, including Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Puri Ghat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase-II, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalish Mouza, and Sadar, confining over 500,000 residents indoors. To curb misinformation fuelling the violence, internet services were suspended for 48 hours until 7 p.m. Tuesday, a measure was invoked under Section 144 of the CrPC to thwart "anti-social elements" from disseminating rumours via WhatsApp and social media.
Odisha Police issued an advisory urging citizens to verify facts before sharing, warning of strict action against purveyors of fake news that "create an atmosphere of unrest". This echoes national concerns over digital incitement, amplified post-2020 Delhi riots.
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Security remains robust, with 50 platoons (1,500 personnel) of state police and eight companies of central forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), patrolling the city. Additional checkpoints and drone surveillance monitor flashpoints, while community leaders from both sides have appealed for calm. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed round-the-clock coordination, emphasising dialogue to restore harmony ahead of upcoming festivals.
The relaxation signals de-escalation but highlights systemic challenges in managing religious processions in urban India, where rapid urbanisation strains policing resources. As Cuttack heals, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for proactive conflict resolution in Odisha's tableau of traditions.
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