The dispute began during the Durga Puja immersion procession from the Daragabazar area of Cuttack to the Kathajodi river bank at Debigara. Violence broke out in the Hati Pokhari area between around 1:30 AM and 2 AM.
According to the police, the fight started when some local residents protested against loud music being played in the procession. The dispute quickly escalated, with stones and bottles being thrown from rooftops, injuring several people, including DCP Khiladi Rishikesh Gyandev.
Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles and shops were vandalized. The immersion procession was halted for about three hours but later resumed under heavy security, and all idols were immersed by 9:30 AM.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour bandh on Monday from morning to evening. A VHP spokesperson said the administration failed to ensure a peaceful immersion despite repeated requests.
Fires in multiple locations
Fires in several places near Gaurishankar Park. Fires broke out in 8–10 locations. Although the fires were extinguished, the crowd continued throwing stones. Police are managing the situation on the ground.
Additional police forces have been deployed across major parts of the city, and senior officers are monitoring the situation to prevent further violence.
Statements on the incident:
· Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the accused anti-social elements for disrupting communal harmony and said strict action will be taken against them. He also assured free treatment for the injured.
· BJD MP Sulata Dev described the incident as extremely unfortunate, saying Cuttack has always been a city of communal harmony where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians have lived together. She criticised the current government, claiming it cannot maintain law and order or protect women, and noted that the crime rate has increased since the BJP came to power
Violence during Durga Puja in Odisha: 25 injured ;Vehicles torched, shops vandalised
Digital Desk
The dispute began during the Durga Puja immersion procession from the Daragabazar area of Cuttack to the Kathajodi river bank at Debigara. Violence broke out in the Hati Pokhari area between around 1:30 AM and 2 AM.
According to the police, the fight started when some local residents protested against loud music being played in the procession. The dispute quickly escalated, with stones and bottles being thrown from rooftops, injuring several people, including DCP Khiladi Rishikesh Gyandev.
Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles and shops were vandalized. The immersion procession was halted for about three hours but later resumed under heavy security, and all idols were immersed by 9:30 AM.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour bandh on Monday from morning to evening. A VHP spokesperson said the administration failed to ensure a peaceful immersion despite repeated requests.
Fires in multiple locations
Fires in several places near Gaurishankar Park. Fires broke out in 8–10 locations. Although the fires were extinguished, the crowd continued throwing stones. Police are managing the situation on the ground.
Additional police forces have been deployed across major parts of the city, and senior officers are monitoring the situation to prevent further violence.
Statements on the incident:
· Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the accused anti-social elements for disrupting communal harmony and said strict action will be taken against them. He also assured free treatment for the injured.
· BJD MP Sulata Dev described the incident as extremely unfortunate, saying Cuttack has always been a city of communal harmony where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians have lived together. She criticised the current government, claiming it cannot maintain law and order or protect women, and noted that the crime rate has increased since the BJP came to power
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