Internet Blackout, Curfew Imposed After Violence: Why Is Cuttack Under Lockdown?

Tensions flared across Cuttack in Odisha as violent clashes broke out during the Durga Puja idol immersion late Friday night near Haathi Pokhari. The internet has been suspended, and a 36-hour-long curfew

has been imposed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the aftermath of the incident.

In order to restore peace in the areas, the administration has deployed a total of 60 platoons of state police forces, including the Rapid Action Force, Border Security Forces, Central Reserve Police Force and the Odisha Swift Action Force.

What Happened In Cuttack?

The violent clashes that left at least 25 people injured began late Friday night near Haathi Pokhari, when a group of locals objected to loud music being played during an idol immersion procession. The argument quickly turned violent, leading to stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from rooftops. Among those injured was also DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

Fresh Violence Breaks Out During VHP Rally

A fresh violence broke out on Sunday during a motorcycle rally organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which defied administrative restrictions.

When police stopped the rally, protesters allegedly turned violent, resulting in stone-pelting, fires, and clashes. Security personnel used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. At least 25 people, including eight police officials, were injured.

Shops, vehicles, and CCTV cameras were damaged, and the rioters also set fire at 8–10 locations near Gourishankar Park.

Internet Suspended, Curfew Imposed

Authorities also ordered the suspension of internet and messaging services including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat, from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday across the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 Mauza regions.

Areas including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, and Jagatpur witnessed curfew being imposed. The authorities appealed to locals to stay indoors.

#WATCH | Cuttack, Odisha | Visuals from Cuttack where a 36-hour curfew has been imposed and heavy police force deployed in the sensitive areas of the city after violence erupted between police and VHP

A total of 25 people, including eight policemen, were injured in the… https://t.co/1V04lFoS87 pic.twitter.com/lrjwIZsrDI

— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2025

Essential Services To Remain Open

Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola said that while all commercial establishments will remain shut during the curfew, hospitals, schools, and colleges will continue to function as usual. He added that authorities are ensuring essential services are not disrupted despite the restrictions in place.

Situation Currently Under Control

The situation in Cuttack is currently under control, said Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, also appealing to the people to avoid rumours and check the websites of the police and the Commissionerate, and the Twitter handles to understand any facts related to the incident.

“The situation in Cuttack is currently under control. The police are closely monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against all anti-social elements involved in the violence… I would like to inform all residents of Cuttack not to trust any rumour. They should immediately check the police website, the Commissionerate’s website, and their Twitter handle. Understand the facts presented there…” Khurania told ANI.