Internet Services Suspended in Parts of Cuttack After Clash During Durga Idol Immersion

Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: The Odisha Government on Saturday imposed restrictions on internet services in parts of Cuttack district following violent clashes between two groups during a Goddess Durga idol immersion procession in the city.

According to an official notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and other online communication channels has been temporarily suspended. The restrictions took effect from 7 p.m. on Saturday and will remain in force until 7 p.m. on October 6.

The order was issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The suspension covers all mobile data, broadband, and internet-based services within the Cuttack Municipal Corporation area, Cuttack Development Authority limits, and the 42 Mauza region.

The move comes after violence erupted around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when members of the Jhanjhirimangala Puja Committee were carrying out their immersion procession through Hatipokhari. Tension broke out after locals objected to a song being played, leading to an altercation that quickly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-hurling between two groups. Several shops and vehicles were damaged in the chaos.

The Jhanjhirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee’s procession was forced to stop midway, while the Rausapatna Durgakali procession continued ahead. However, fresh clashes broke out near Darghabazar police station when a group allegedly attacked participants of the Rausapatna procession.

In the ensuing violence, Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari sustained an eye injury, along with several other police personnel. Multiple immersion processions were halted as authorities worked to restore order.

Heavy police deployment has since been made across the city to prevent further disturbances and maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a 12-hour Cuttack Bandh on October 6 in protest against the incident.