Cuttack on edge after violent clashes

“Cuttack is a city of brotherhood. We all want to live together here. Some people spoil this atmosphere. They attack the police, and this troubles everyone,” said Chintu Singh, a resident of Cuttack.

A festive Durga Puja immersion procession on Friday turned violent in Cuttack’s Dargah Bazaar area after locals protested against loud music. What began as a dispute escalated rapidly into stone pelting and glass bottle throwing, leaving several people injured, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishikesh Khilari. Police responded with lathi charges to bring the situation under control.

The clashes triggered a chain of unrest. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) defied a police ban and held a bike rally on Sunday, which ended in further violence with stone pelting on police personnel, resulting in 25 injuries. In response, authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services for 24 hours to prevent the spread of misinformation and restore order.

“Between 5:30 and 6:30, the rally reached the Dargah Bazaar police station. We were near the Dargah Bazaar and saw several people arriving in vehicles with flags. The police were also providing security and controlling the rally. Soon, when the rally did not move forward, we later heard that Big Bazaar had been vandalised,” said another resident.

Streets in Dargah Bazaar still bear the scars of the unrest, with shattered glass, vandalised shops, and damaged vehicles scattered around. The violence erupted amid what should have been one of the city’s most harmonious celebrations. 

Under heavy police presence, the city remains tense with many residents avoiding public spaces. Essential services like hospitals and pharmacies continue to operate amid tight security. The government and local leaders have appealed for calm and assured strict action against those responsible.

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