Police have imposed a curfew, and shut down the internet in Odisha's Cuttack in response to a weekend of violence. The clashes between two communities started in Cuttack during the Durga idol immersion procession on Friday.
How the Cuttack clashes broke out
Local residents of the Dargah Bazaar area objected to loud music being played during the procession. However, the situation soon escalated with stones and bottles being hurled into the crowd from the rooftops.
Many people were injured in the attack, including Dy Commissioner Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. During the chaos, many vehicles and roadside stalls were also damaged in the violence.
The clashes broke, despite the heavy security deployment, before the situation was brought under control.
Things got worse on Sunday, when protests over Friday's clashes once again turned violent. Demonstrators clashed with police at Dargah Bazar, injuring at least 25 people.
Internet, social media suspended
Amid the violence, the Odisha government announced restrictions as a preventive measure. The Police announced a curfew to be imposed starting 10 pm Sunday, and it will be in effect for 36 hours.
Cuttack DM, Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said, “The current situation is under control. A substantial police force has already been deployed. The state government has decided to deploy additional Central Armed Police Forces. A curfew has been imposed, we believe the situation will be under control in the next 24 hours.”
Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh said “fake videos and inflammatory rumors are being circulated." He added, “Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading misinformation.”
The police have arrested six people and intensified efforts to identify others involved in the violence. Meanwhile, Right-wing outfit Vishwa Hindu Parishad has called for a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack on Monday.
Heavy security has been deployed in Cuttack to prevent further escalation during the bandh.
