Cuttack Under Lockdown Following Durga Puja Immersion violence
Cuttack, Odisha – October 5, 2025 - Cuttack city is under a significant security lockdown following violent clashes that erupted during and after Durga Puja immersion processions on October 5th. The unrest led too fires, stone-throwing at emergency responders, and ultimately, a complete internet shutdown and the imposition of prohibitory orders.
The violence began near Gouri Shankar Park, where rioters reportedly set fires at 8-10 locations. Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera confirmed his team extinguished the blazes but faced continued obstruction, including being targeted with stones. Police have been deployed to control the situation and prevent further escalation, with additional forces stationed across key zones and monitored by senior officers.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Odisha Home Department suspended all internet and data services within the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area, the Cuttack Growth Authority (CDA) area, and the 42 Mauza Region. The order, effective from 7 pm on October 5th to 7 pm on October 6th, cites concerns that “anti-social elements may misuse internet platforms to circulate false, provocative, and inflammatory messages, threatening public peace,” referencing Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017. This shutdown impacts access to platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Alongside the internet suspension, authorities have implemented prohibitory orders across 13 police station areas, granting police expanded powers to address potential troublemakers.
Puja committees have organized demonstrations demanding the swift arrest of those involved in the initial attack. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has placed blame on the district governance for failing to ensure a peaceful immersion, requesting the transfer of both the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and the district collector. The VHP has announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh (strike) for the city on October 6th.
Political reactions have been swift. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) condemned the violence, attributing it to “anti-social elements” attempting to disrupt communal harmony. BJD MP Sulata Deo criticized the current government, stating, ”Cuttack is a city of brotherhood… What happened is extremely unfortunate. This government can neither handle law and order nor protect women.As the BJP government came to power, the crime rate has increased.”
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has appealed for calm, expressing deep sorrow over the violence and assuring strict action against those responsible. The CMO stated the government is “keeping an eye on such elements” and will act according to the law. Majhi has also directed officials to provide free medical care to the injured and closely monitor sensitive areas.
Police have reported making six arrests thus far and are reviewing CCTV footage, drone imagery, and eyewitness accounts to identify additional suspects. Residents are being urged to remain calm as the city prepares for the VHP-called bandh on Monday.
