Key Highlights:
- Violence erupted during Durga Puja idol immersion procession at Dargah Bazaar, injuring 31 people including 10 police officers
- Odisha government imposed 36-hour curfew and internet suspension after VHP rally defied administrative restrictions
- Over 60 police platoons and 8 Central Armed Police Forces companies deployed across Cuttack’s sensitive areas
The thousand-year-old city of Cuttack in Odisha witnessed unprecedented communal violence during Durga Puja festivities, forcing authorities to impose the first curfew in 34 years. The Cuttack communal violence began with disagreements over loud music during idol immersion processions but quickly escalated into widespread unrest that shattered the city’s reputation for harmonious coexistence. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the Cuttack communal violence, emphasizing that strict legal action would follow against those responsible for disturbing the peace. The incidents have prompted extensive security deployments and administrative measures to restore normalcy in the historic city.
MAJOR COMMUNAL FLARE-UP IN CUTTACK.
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) October 5, 2025
📍Muslims throw stones at Durga immersion procession. Swords are out.
📍Cops including DCP injured.
📍Hindu groups retaliate. Bajrang Dal on streets.
📍VHP bandh tomorrow.
📍Internet blocked for 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/EQcVsPwmmy
Initial Violence During Idol Immersion
The first outbreak of Cuttack communal violence occurred between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM on October 5, 2025, when a Durga idol immersion procession was halted near Haathi Pokhari in Dargah Bazaar. Local residents objected to high-decibel music being played during the late-night procession as it made its way toward the Kathajodi river banks for immersion ceremonies.
- Stone pelting and glass bottle throwing from rooftops injured multiple participants and police personnel
- Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo sustained serious eye injuries during the chaos
The situation rapidly deteriorated as the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee’s procession faced aggressive opposition from locals. Police forces deployed mild lathi charges to disperse the violent crowds, while the subsequent Rausapatna Durga Kali Medha committee procession was also disrupted by the spreading Cuttack communal violence. Vehicles, motorcycles, and roadside stalls suffered extensive damage as the confrontation intensified throughout the early morning hours.
VHP Rally Escalates Tensions
Fresh incidents of Cuttack communal violence erupted on October 6, 2025, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organized an unauthorized motorcycle rally despite explicit restrictions from district administration. The rally commenced from Bidyadharpur on the city’s eastern outskirts and deliberately passed through Dargah Bazaar, the epicenter of the previous day’s clashes.
- CCTV cameras along the rally route were systematically damaged during the procession
- Several shops in Gourishankar Park area were vandalized and reportedly set on fire
Participants chanted provocative slogans including “Jai Shri Ram” as they moved through sensitive neighborhoods, culminating at Sector 11 of the Cuttack Development Authority area. The Commissionerate Police used mild force to disperse groups attempting to disturb peace, but the unauthorized rally significantly intensified the ongoing Cuttack communal violence. The VHP subsequently announced a 12-hour bandh for October 7, demanding administrative transfers and alleging failure to ensure peaceful religious celebrations.
Government Response and Security Deployment
The Odisha government responded to the escalating Cuttack communal violence by implementing comprehensive administrative measures under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 163. A 36-hour curfew was imposed from 10 PM on October 6 until 10 AM on October 8, covering 13 police station areas across the city. Internet services were suspended from 7 PM on October 6 to 7 PM on October 7, affecting WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms to prevent misinformation spread.
- Over 60 police platoons and 8 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed across sensitive areas
- Rapid Action Force, Border Security Force, and Odisha Swift Action Force units strategically positioned
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar confirmed that strong measures had been implemented to restore peace following the Cuttack communal violence. The massive security deployment included riot-control vehicles and specialized paramilitary units positioned at critical locations throughout Dargah Bazaar, Gourishankar Park, and Bidyadharpur. Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, and government offices remained operational despite the comprehensive restrictions.
Political Reactions and Administrative Actions
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, expressed profound sorrow over the Cuttack communal violence and appealed for residents to uphold the city’s centuries-old tradition of brotherhood. He emphasized that Cuttack’s thousand-year history of unity and communal harmony had been temporarily disrupted by miscreant activities, assuring strict legal action against perpetrators.
- Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP government’s handling of law and order
- Congress MLA Sofia Firdous demanded punishment for those identified through CCTV and drone footage
Director General of Police YB Khurania chaired emergency meetings with senior officers to review the deteriorating situation, while the Home Department provided regular updates to the Chief Minister. Three separate cases have been registered in connection with the Cuttack communal violence, with police reviewing extensive CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify additional suspects. The administration announced that free medical treatment would be provided to all injured parties, while peace committee meetings were organized to facilitate community reconciliation.
Closing Assessment
The Cuttack communal violence represents a significant departure from the city’s historical reputation for peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities. Despite the deployment of massive security forces and administrative interventions, the incidents highlight underlying tensions that require sustained attention from both political leadership and civil society. The successful completion of remaining idol immersion activities under tight security demonstrates that coordinated law enforcement can maintain order, but long-term harmony depends on community dialogue and mutual respect.
The aftermath of the Cuttack communal violence has prompted broader discussions about festival management, noise pollution regulations, and interfaith dialogue mechanisms. As authorities gradually lift restrictions and restore normalcy, the focus must shift toward preventing future incidents through improved community engagement and proactive conflict resolution strategies. The city’s thousand-year legacy of brotherhood remains intact, but recent events serve as a reminder that vigilance and inclusive governance are essential for preserving Odisha’s pluralistic traditions.
