Chaos gripped parts of Cuttack on Sunday as a promotional rally for a citywide bandh turned violent, leading to clashes between protesters and police at the Jail Road intersection in Dargha Bazar.
The unrest stemmed from a recent communal clash during the Goddess Durga idol immersion procession on October 3, where six were injured in an unprovoked attack. In response, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and allied Hindu organisations called for a shutdown on Monday to protest the incident, demanding justice and heightened security.
The procession, comprising over 3,000 supporters on bikes, began around 3 PM from Potapokhari Chowk and wound through various parts of the city. Tensions escalated when the rally reached Bajrakabati Road Chowk, where police attempted to halt it due to security concerns in sensitive areas. Although the force was outnumbered and unable to fully stop the group, the procession continued toward Jail Road Chowk—the site of the original October 3 clash—where barricades had been set up to block access.
Protesters, frustrated by the restrictions, allegedly dismantled the barricades and engaged in sloganeering. The situation deteriorated rapidly when stones were hurled at the rally participants from nearby areas, prompting a furious response. Enraged crowds stormed surrounding shopping malls, shops, and eateries, vandalising property and setting fire to several cabins and outlets. Eyewitnesses reported widespread destruction, including broken storefronts and arson attacks on establishments along Jail Road and near Gaurishankar Park, leading to Gangamandir.
Police, after repeated appeals to disperse failed, resorted to a lathi charge to control the mob. When this proved insufficient, they deployed tear gas shells and rubber bullets to restore order. The confrontation lasted for an extended period, with protesters scattering only after sustained efforts.
In the aftermath, senior police officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania and Law and Order DG, rushed to the scene to assess the situation. DGP Khurania appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid further escalation. To prevent the spread of rumours and maintain law and order, authorities imposed a 24-hour internet shutdown across the city. Additionally, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units were deployed at key locations to monitor the tense atmosphere.
In a late-evening announcement, Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Devdutt Singh declared a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station jurisdictions, effective from 10 PM on October 5. The affected areas include Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase-2, Malgodam, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalish Mouza, and Sadar. Essential services such as government offices, emergency medical care, and schools have been exempted from the curfew. The commissioner warned that violators would face strict action, including the use of force if necessary, emphasising zero tolerance for troublemakers.
The October 3 incident during the immersion festival had already heightened communal sensitivities in Dargha Bazar, with two groups clashing unexpectedly. Authorities had ramped up security in anticipation of the bandh, but the scale of the rally overwhelmed initial deployments. Local leaders from various organisations have urged calm, while investigations into both incidents are underway. Residents are advised to stay indoors and cooperate with law enforcement as the city braces for the Monday bandh amid ongoing restrictions.
We urge everyone to stay calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with the police in restoring normalcy in Cuttack city.
Odisha Police is fully committed to maintaining peace and order.
All necessary measures are in place to ensure citizens’ safety. @CMO_Odisha— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) October 5, 2025
