Cuttack on High Alert: Internet and Social Media Shut Down as Tension Escalates — City Under Tight Security Lockdown
Cuttack Durga puja violence: The Odisha government declared a 36-hour curfew from Sunday night in Cuttack to control escalating violence
Tensions have gripped Odisha’s Cuttack city following violent clashes during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession. The state government has imposed stringent restrictions, including a curfew and internet suspension, to restore order.
The Odisha government declared a 36-hour curfew from Sunday night across 13 police station limits in Cuttack to control escalating violence. The curfew began at 10 pm on Sunday and affects key localities including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, and Jagatpur.
Internet and messaging services – including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat – were suspended from 7 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday across Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 Mauza regions. Authorities cited “inflammatory and provocative messages” as the reason.
The violence in Cuttack began late Friday night near Haathi Pokhari when some locals objected to loud music during an immersion procession.
The confrontation escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from rooftops, injuring several people, including DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
On Sunday, new clashes broke out during a motorcycle rally organised by the VHP, defying administrative orders.
Protesters turned violent when stopped by security personnel, leading to stone-pelting, fires, and police using tear gas and rubber bullets. Eight police officials were among the injured.
Rioters reportedly set fire at 8–10 locations near Gourishankar Park on Sunday evening, damaging shops and CCTV cameras. Fire services and police were deployed to control the situation amid stone-pelting.
A massive rally led by VHP supporters marched through Bajrakbati Road on Sunday, raising controversial slogans calling for the removal of a minority community. The rally sparked widespread outrage and heightened communal tensions.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad announced a 12-hour Cuttack bandh on Monday to protest the clashes, demanding strict action against officials they accused of negligence.
The bandh coincides with the curfew, and heavy security has been deployed to prevent flare-ups.
Ten companies of security forces have been stationed in the city, with additional reinforcements requested. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel conducted flag marches in sensitive areas, including Dargah Bazaar and Mangalabag, to maintain calm.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and local MLAs have urged citizens to maintain communal harmony. “Communal harmony is non-negotiable,” CM Majhi said, promising strict action against the culprits.
This is not the first time Odisha has used internet suspensions to quell unrest – similar steps were taken in Sambalpur (2023) and Balasore (2024).
Police have arrested six individuals so far and are reviewing CCTV and drone footage to identify more suspects. Misinformation on social media is also under close watch.
Cuttack, October 6 — In an unprecedented security clampdown, the Odisha government has imposed a complete suspension of internet and social media services across Cuttack city following reports of escalating tensions in sensitive areas. The historic city, often known as the Millennium City of Odisha, has effectively gone into lockdown mode, with schools shut, markets closed, and heavy police deployment across major junctions.
The move, which took effect early Sunday morning, comes amid fears of communal unrest and misinformation spreading through digital platforms. Authorities said the suspension is a temporary preventive measure aimed at restoring peace and ensuring public safety.
According to the district administration, internet services were suspended at around 6 AM across the Cuttack Municipal Corporation limits. The ban includes mobile data, broadband connections, and access to social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram.
District Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Mishra stated that the decision was taken after intelligence inputs suggested that “rumors and provocative messages” were circulating online, potentially worsening local tensions.
“We are committed to maintaining law and order. The internet suspension is a temporary but essential step to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace,” Mishra said.
Police sources confirmed that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in several areas, restricting public gatherings and movement after dark. Educational institutions have been instructed to remain closed until further notice, while business establishments in sensitive localities have voluntarily shut their doors.
The unrest reportedly began after a clash between two local groups late Saturday evening in the Choudhury Bazaar area. What started as a small altercation quickly escalated into stone-pelting and vandalism incidents, prompting police intervention.
Eyewitnesses claimed that social media posts fueled tensions overnight, leading to sporadic confrontations in Jobra, Nayasarak, and Buxi Bazaar. Authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the communal nature of the disturbance but emphasized that “the situation is under control.”
“A few miscreants tried to disrupt harmony by spreading fake videos and inflammatory messages. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” said Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra, adding that over 25 people have been detained so far.
Cuttack has witnessed one of the largest police deployments in recent memory. Over 40 platoons of police personnel, including rapid action forces (RAF) and anti-riot units, have been stationed across key intersections and sensitive localities.
Patrolling has been intensified near religious sites, marketplaces, and bridges to prevent gatherings or protests. Drones are being used for aerial surveillance, while CCTV monitoring has been increased at entry and exit points.
Additional reinforcements from Bhubaneswar and Jagatsinghpur districts have been dispatched to assist local authorities. The Odisha State Disaster Response Force (ODRAF) has also been placed on standby in case of emergencies.
“We will not allow any attempt to disturb peace in the city. Curfew-like measures will remain until full normalcy returns,” said a senior police official.
The internet blackout has had a widespread impact on Cuttack’s daily life and economy. Online businesses, digital banking, and delivery services have been severely disrupted. Students preparing for exams have expressed frustration over the sudden communication blackout, while traders in the Mal Godown and Chandi Chhak areas reported sharp drops in business.
“We are unable to even confirm orders or receive payments. The internet shutdown has frozen everything,” said Rakesh Sahu, a local shop owner.
Transport services, including city buses and autos, are operating but under restricted hours. Authorities have appealed to residents to stay indoors and cooperate with law enforcement.
The development has sparked a flurry of political reactions across Odisha. Opposition leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have called for transparency, demanding that the government clarify the cause of the unrest.
BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantsinghar criticized the administration, saying, “Repeated law-and-order failures show the state’s inability to manage urban tensions. Internet shutdowns are not a solution — they are a sign of administrative panic.”
Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders defended the move, calling it a “responsible and timely intervention” to safeguard public safety. Minister Pratap Jena urged residents not to fall prey to rumors and to maintain peace.
“Odisha has always been a land of harmony. We appeal to citizens to trust verified information and avoid speculation,” Jena said in a press statement.
By late Sunday afternoon, police reported that no fresh incidents of violence had been reported since morning. Flag marches were conducted in several areas to reassure citizens.
District Collector Mishra confirmed that internet services will be reviewed every 12 hours, and normal connectivity will be restored once stability is ensured.
A senior official at the Odisha Home Department said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is closely monitoring the situation. “The Chief Minister has directed top officials to ensure peace and provide immediate relief where needed,” the source said.
