Cuttack tense after Durga Puja clashes; VHP calls 12-hour bandh on Monday

Odisha: Tension gripped Cuttack on Sunday following violent clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion processions, leading the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to declare a 12-hour bandh in the city on October 6.

According to officials, the violence broke out between 1:30 AM and 2 AM on Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area after some locals objected to high-decibel music being played during a procession. The altercation escalated when a mob began pelting stones and glass bottles from rooftops, injuring several people, including Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

Police resorted to mild lathi charge to control the situation, while several vehicles and stalls were damaged. The immersion process was halted for nearly three hours as Durga Puja committee members protested, demanding immediate arrests. The activities later resumed under heavy police presence, with all remaining idols immersed by 9:30 AM on Sunday.

Six people have been arrested so far, and authorities are using CCTV footage, drone visuals, and eyewitness accounts to identify others involved.

The VHP criticised the administration for failing to maintain order and demanded the transfer of the DCP and district collector. In response, the group has called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh in protest.

“The authorities failed to ensure peaceful immersion despite repeated requests,” said a VHP spokesperson.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) attributed the violence to “anti-social elements” attempting to disturb communal harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the incident, assured strict action against those responsible, and directed officials to provide free medical aid to the injured.

Additional forces have been deployed across sensitive areas, and prohibitory orders are in place to prevent further unrest. Senior police officials are monitoring the situation closely.