Posted on October 6, 2025
A tense calm prevailed in parts of Cuttack city on Monday as authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew following violent clashes between two groups on Sunday night. The Odisha government enforced strict restrictions in several police station jurisdictions and temporarily suspended internet services to prevent the spread of rumors and ensure peace in the historic city.
The communal tension reportedly erupted near Dargah Bazaar, one of the city’s oldest and most densely populated localities. What began as a minor altercation soon escalated into stone-pelting and vandalism, leaving several people injured, including police personnel. Authorities quickly swung into action, deploying massive security reinforcements and sealing off the affected zones to prevent further escalation.
Curfew and Internet Suspension
The Cuttack District Administration announced the curfew from 10 pm on Sunday to 10 am on Tuesday, covering areas under 13 police stations, including Dargha Bazaar, Lalbag, Mangalabag, Chauliaganj, and nearby localities. Residents were instructed to remain indoors during this period, and all non-essential movement was prohibited.
District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said the restrictions were necessary to restore order and protect public safety. Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, milk booths, and emergency transport were exempted from the curfew. However, schools, markets, and business establishments in the affected areas remained closed.
In addition, the Home Department of Odisha ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet and social media services in the city to curb the circulation of inflammatory videos and misinformation. The directive explicitly mentioned platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Instagram, warning that any misuse of digital media could invite legal action.
Heavy Security Deployment
To maintain law and order, the Commissionerate Police deployed over 60 platoons of armed forces, including contingents from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Odisha Police Special Armed Battalion (OSAP). Senior police officials, including Additional DGP (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, remained stationed in Cuttack to personally oversee ground operations.
Barricades were erected at key entry points, and police personnel were seen patrolling sensitive pockets throughout the night. The authorities appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activity immediately. Drone surveillance and night-vision cameras were also pressed into service to monitor gatherings and movement in curfew-bound zones.
Injuries and Damage
Preliminary reports confirmed that at least four individuals sustained injuries during Sunday’s clashes. Three of them were discharged after receiving treatment, while one person remains hospitalized in stable condition. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Dargah Bazaar police station were also injured while trying to control the mob.
Several vehicles and shops were damaged during the violence. Police have since registered three separate cases and detained a number of individuals for questioning. Senior officers stated that video footage from CCTV cameras and mobile recordings is being analyzed to identify the instigators. “No one involved in the violence will be spared,” said ADG Sanjay Kumar, confirming that the police are working round-the-clock to bring the culprits to justice.
Political and Administrative Reactions
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the incident and directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to stay in Cuttack until normalcy is completely restored. In a public message, the Chief Minister appealed to citizens to remain calm and uphold the city’s tradition of harmony. “Cuttack has always been known for unity and mutual respect. We must not allow divisive elements to destroy our peace,” he said.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan and local MLA Sofia Firdous also visited the affected areas and interacted with residents. Both leaders appealed for peace and urged people not to fall prey to rumors. MLA Firdous emphasized that rebuilding trust among communities is essential, saying, “We must remember that it takes years to build relationships but only moments to destroy them. Let us join hands to restore normalcy.”
Voices from the Ground
Despite the curfew, the overall situation on Monday was under control, with no fresh reports of violence. Residents described the previous night as chaotic but expressed hope that peace would return soon. Many shopkeepers and local associations pledged cooperation with the administration, urging fellow citizens to maintain restraint.
Community leaders from both sides also met with district officials, promising to help calm tensions. Religious organizations and youth volunteers have begun assisting police in spreading awareness and dispelling misinformation circulating online.
Appeal for Peace
As evening descended over Cuttack, loudspeakers blared appeals from the administration and local clerics calling for peace and brotherhood. Police reiterated that any attempt to disrupt order or spread false information would be met with strict legal consequences. The curfew, though restrictive, was largely welcomed as a necessary step to ensure stability.
Cuttack, known as the “Millennium City of Odisha,” has long been a symbol of cultural coexistence and communal harmony. Authorities and citizens alike hope that the recent unrest will serve as a reminder of the importance of unity in preserving the city’s proud legacy.