Odisha’s ancient city of Cuttack, often praised for its timeless communal harmony and vibrant festivals, witnessed an unexpected turn of chaos this weekend. What began as a disagreement over loud music during a Durga Puja procession spiralled into full-blown clashes, internet suspension, and a citywide bandh call, leaving residents anxious and the administration on high alert.
The trouble began in the early hours of Saturday when a Durga idol immersion procession passing through Cuttack’s Dargah Bazaar area faced objections from locals over high-decibel music being played late into the night. Within moments, the situation escalated, stones and glass bottles were hurled, injuring several people, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
To restore order, police carried out a mild lathi charge and detained several individuals. Authorities confirmed that six arrests have been made, with more expected after reviewing CCTV and drone footage from the scene.
Just as calm seemed to return, fresh violence erupted on Sunday evening when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) conducted a motorcycle rally, reportedly defying restrictions imposed by the local administration. The rally, which passed through the same Dargah Bazaar area, led to renewed tension as CCTV cameras were damaged and shops in the Gourishankar Park area were vandalised and torched.
Police deployed additional units to disperse the crowds and contain the situation before it could spread further.
In response to the unrest, the Odisha government imposed an internet ban from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday across regions under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, CDA, and 42 Mauza areas. The measure aims to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent provocative content on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
A heavy police presence and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in sensitive areas to ensure peace and prevent further escalation.
Expressing deep concern over the incidents, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged residents to maintain Cuttack’s legacy of brotherhood.
'Cuttack has been a symbol of unity for over a thousand years. A few miscreants cannot destroy the peace our people have built together,' the Chief Minister said in a statement.
He further directed officials to provide free medical care to the injured and assured strict action against those responsible.
Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik also appealed for calm, calling the events deeply concerning. He emphasised that Odisha has always been known as a peace-loving state, while criticising the current administration’s handling of the situation.
Patnaik alleged that police appeared helpless, suggesting that administrative pressure under the new government may have contributed to the breakdown of order.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack, blaming administrative negligence for failing to ensure peaceful idol immersion.
Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress leaders condemned the violence, asserting that anti-social elements were attempting to sow division in a city celebrated for its unity and heritage.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, representing Barabati-Cuttack, expressed disappointment, saying, Cuttack has proudly celebrated Durga Puja for over 500 years. Those responsible for disrupting this sacred tradition must face the law.
The Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania held an emergency meeting to assess the situation, confirming that the Chief Minister is receiving continuous updates.
Immersion ceremonies, which had been suspended for nearly three hours on Saturday, resumed under tight security and were completed by 9:30 am on Sunday.
More than 120 idols were immersed peacefully, with prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC still in force to prevent gatherings in vulnerable areas.
As the city grapples with tension and recovery, residents and leaders alike are calling for introspection. Cuttack, often dubbed the Millennium City, has long stood as a symbol of religious harmony, where Durga Puja and Eid celebrations once echoed in the same streets with mutual respect.
Now, as authorities race to restore order, the real challenge lies in preserving that shared legacy. Beyond the arrests, curfews, and politics, what Cuttack truly needs is a collective commitment to peace, a return to the values that have kept the city’s heart beating for centuries.
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