CUTTACK, Oct. 6 — Eight people were arrested in connection with violent clashes in Cuttack, Odisha, officials said Monday, as the city continued to grapple with unrest that erupted during Durga idol immersion processions.
Speaking to reporters, Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh said three cases were registered and eight arrests made following Sunday’s attack on police personnel by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists. “The situation is under control,” he noted.
The violence left at least 25 people injured, including senior police officer Amarenda Panda and Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. Panda was admitted to the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, according to officials.
Police said raids were ongoing in several parts of the city after some “mischief mongers” were identified through CCTV footage.
The clashes initially broke out early Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area, after locals objected to loud music being played during immersion processions. A verbal argument escalated quickly, leading to the hurling of stones and glass bottles. Six people, including Dnyandeo, were injured during the confrontation.
Alleging police inaction against attacks on immersion processions, the VHP called for a 12-hour bandh on Monday. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., saw a mixed response but remained largely peaceful. Government offices and schools operated with reduced attendance, while markets, petrol pumps, and public transport were partially functional under heavy restrictions.
The unrest reignited on Sunday when VHP activists staged a motorcycle rally in support of the bandh. Police stopped the rally upon reaching sensitive areas, triggering fresh violence. Activists hurled stones at officers, who responded with lathi charge, tear gas, and rubber bullets to regain control. During the clashes, several shops in Gourishankar Park were reportedly set on fire.
Authorities have imposed strict security measures, deploying 1,800 state police personnel and around 800 members of Central Armed Police Forces and the Odisha Swift Action Force, said ACP Narasingha Bhol. He added that patrols were continuing in sensitive areas and restrictions on city entry remain in effect.
“People from outside are not allowed entry into Cuttack city, except those working here and patients travelling to SCB Medical College and Hospital. Passenger buses are being stopped at entry points. All the entry points of the city have been blocked to keep a check on the movement of anti-social elements,” Bhol explained.
ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said there were no fresh incidents reported and all agencies were on high alert. “Senior officers are monitoring the situation on the field, and directions have been issued for taking prompt action against anyone found taking the law into their hands,” he said.
Prohibitory orders were extended for 36 hours, until 10 a.m. Tuesday, across 13 of the 20 police station jurisdictions in the city, officials said. Internet services were also suspended for 24 hours from 7 p.m. Sunday to prevent escalation.
In a statement, Odisha Police urged residents to verify information before sharing it on social media and avoid posting inflammatory or false content. “Some individuals are creating an atmosphere of unrest in society by creating and spreading fake news. Strict action will be taken against those who are spreading and circulating false or misleading information,” the statement said.
