Sun Oct 05 15:19:09 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Clashes erupted in Cuttack, Odisha, during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession when some locals objected to loud music. The situation escalated to stone pelting, injuring several people, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Police responded with a mild lathi charge, and the internet has been shut down for 24 hours. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a bandh to protest what they see as administrative failures. The Odisha government has assured strict action and provided medical care for the injured. Authorities are working to identify and arrest those involved, and additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
**News Article:**
**Cuttack Placed Under Internet Shutdown Following Durga Puja Clashes**
*Cuttack, Odisha – October 5, 2025* – A 24-hour internet shutdown has been imposed in Cuttack, Odisha, following violent clashes between two communities and police during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession early Sunday morning. The unrest began near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area when some individuals objected to loud music accompanying the procession.
The situation quickly deteriorated as a mob began throwing stones and glass bottles from rooftops, injuring several revellers, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. Police responded with a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd, leading to damage to vehicles and roadside stalls.
Immersion activities were temporarily halted as Puja committees protested, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack. The process resumed under heavy security, with all remaining idols immersed by Sunday morning.
So far, six individuals have been arrested, and authorities are using CCTV footage, drone visuals, and eyewitness accounts to identify and apprehend other participants.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a Cuttack Bandh on Monday, alleging administrative failure and demanding the immediate transfer of the DCP and district collector.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has appealed for peace and assured strict action against those responsible for the violence, directing officials to provide medical care for the injured. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has blamed anti-social elements for attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
Additional police forces have been deployed across sensitive areas, and prohibitory orders are in place to prevent further escalation. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X are blocked. Senior police officers are closely monitoring the situation.
First Piper 