Curfew, internet ban in Odisha’s Cuttack after violent clashes

The Odisha government has imposed a curfew and suspended internet services in Cuttack and adjoining areas in an effort to restore order in the State’s erstwhile capital, following violent clashes after police denied permission for a bike rally organised by a group.

Tension flared on Sunday after Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists took out a rally and clashed with police that left several injured. The VHP has also called for a Cuttack bandh on Monday.

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Violence initially erupted around 2 am on Saturday during a Durga idol immersion procession, injuring several people, including policemen. The situation worsened on Sunday after police denied permission for a bike rally planned by VHP, leading to fresh clashes in the city. At least 25 people were injured in the ensuing violence.

Authorities clamped a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station areas of Cuttack from 10 pm on Sunday to 10 am on Tuesday, instructing residents to stay indoors. Internet services were also suspended across the city and adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony.

Internet services have been suspended to prevent the spread of false, provocative, and inflammatory messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat, which could disturb public peace and order, said Narasingha Bhol, Additional Commissioner of Police.

“Situation has been brought under control in the city and no untoward incident has been reported since yesterday night. Adequate police deployment has been made to maintain the law and order in the city,” he added.