**Cuttack on High Alert After Violence Erupts During Durga Idol Immersion**

*By Snehil Singh | October 5, 2025 | 10:31 PM*

Odisha’s Cuttack city has been placed on high alert following fresh violence that erupted after clashes during the Durga Puja idol immersion procession. The unrest began in the Dargah Bazaar area over complaints of loud music played during the procession.

### How the Violence Broke Out

The initial clash occurred between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM on Saturday when locals stopped a Durga idol immersion procession. Residents objected to the high-decibel music played late at night, which escalated tensions leading to stone-pelting from rooftops. Several people sustained injuries during the violence, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

### Police Response

In response to the violence, police used a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and restore order. So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Authorities are reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify further suspects involved.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh stated:
*”Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and were identified through CCTV footage. More arrests will follow.”*

### Tensions Flare Again After Motorcycle Rally

The situation escalated again on Sunday evening when a motorcycle rally, allegedly organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), defied district administration restrictions. The rally passed through Dargah Bazaar and ended at Sector 11 in the CDA area.

During the rally, CCTV cameras along the route were damaged, and several shops in the Gourishankar Park area were vandalized and allegedly set on fire. The Commissionerate Police once again used mild force to disperse groups attempting to disturb the peace.

### Government’s Measures and Leaders’ Appeals

In light of the ongoing violence, the Odisha government has suspended internet services in select areas to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to residents to preserve Cuttack’s communal harmony and assured the public that strict legal actions will be taken against those responsible for the unrest.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also urged calm and criticized administrative lapses under the current government.

### VHP Announces Bandh, Political Reactions

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has announced a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday, protesting what it calls administrative failures during the idol immersion events.

Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has blamed “anti-social elements” for attempting to disrupt communal harmony.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous expressed deep concern over the developments and called for strict punishment against all individuals identified through CCTV and drone footage.

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**Stay tuned for further updates on the situation in Cuttack.**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/odisha-clashes-break-out-in-cuttack-internet-shut-down/story