Violence Erupts in Cuttack After Durga Immersion and VHP Rally; 36-Hour Curfew Imposed, Internet Services Suspended

Insaaf Times Desk

Following violence during the Durga Puja immersion procession and a bike rally organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Cuttack, the administration imposed a 36-hour curfew from Sunday night at 10 PM. In addition, internet and social media services have been suspended for 24 hours. The move aims to curb rising communal tensions and prevent the spread of rumors in the city.

Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh stated that the violence erupted on Friday night during the Durga idol immersion following a personal dispute. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the incident and produced before the court on Saturday.

The VHP’s bike rally on Sunday was denied permission due to security concerns. When police attempted to stop the rally, participants resorted to stone-pelting. In the ensuing clashes, 25 people were injured, including eight police personnel.

To control the situation, a 36-hour curfew has been enforced across various parts of Cuttack. Section 144 has also been imposed in several areas, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people. Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors.

Opposition parties have questioned the state government’s handling of the situation and urged authorities to maintain law and order. They have demanded strict action against those responsible for the violence.

The violence during the Durga Puja immersion and VHP rally has left the city tense. The administration’s stringent measures, including the curfew and internet suspension, aim to restore order, but the situation remains fragile. Citizens are urged to remain calm and comply with the law.

First Interim Relief After Six Years: Sharjeel Imam Returns to Tihar Jail After Attending Brother’s Wedding

Sharjeel Imam, a research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a prominent face of protests

Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Again Publicly Calls for Assassination of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Raising New Political and Security Concerns in the Middle East

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly called for the “removal” of Syrian President

“Sectarian Bias Against Sunni Muslims in Iraq: Widespread Illegal Detentions, Coerced Confessions, and Torture Exposed”

Human rights conditions in Iraq continue to be a matter of serious concern. The number

Relief Amid LPG Shortage: Government to Provide Kerosene as Alternative Fuel Across 21 States and UTs

Amid continuous supply disruptions and rising prices of cooking gas (LPG) across the country, the

Defense to Global Force: A Roadmap of U.S.–India Partnership in the 21st Century — Conversation with US Ambassador Sergio Gor

The U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor explains how to shape U.S.–India relations as a defining strategic

Gulf Conflict: Turkey Blocks Israel‑U.S. Plan, Kurdish Proxy Force in Iran Foiled, Civil War Threat Averted

Turkey’s firm warning and active diplomacy have successfully thwarted a plan by Israel and the