Communal tension, stone-pelting, and arson in Cuttack leave 25 injured; curfew imposed for 36 hours
The Sunday Mail
Cuttack. Communal tension and violent clashes erupted in Cuttack, Odisha, on Sunday after police denied permission for a bike rally organized by a group. The clashes escalated, leading to stone-pelting and arson. Twenty-five people, including eight policemen, were injured in the violence. Authorities have imposed a 36-hour curfew and shut down internet services to prevent further violence.
Police officials said that a bike rally in Cuttack was denied permission due to potential communal tension, leading to clashes with police, injuring eight officers. The group was dispersed using force. A total of 25 people, including eight policemen, were injured in the incident. Internet services were also shut down, and a 36-hour curfew has been imposed.
The Odisha government imposed curfew and suspended internet services in 13 police station areas following fresh incidents of violence in Cuttack on Sunday night. The move follows recent factional clashes during the Durga idol immersion procession, which left 25 people injured. Police Commissioner S. Devdutt Singh said the orders will be in effect for 36 hours from 10 p.m. Sunday. He said the curfew will be in effect in the Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markat Nagar, CD, Phase-2, Malgodam, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalis Mouza, and Sadar police station areas.
CM Appeals for Harmony
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the violence and appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony. The Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement that CM Majhi has also directed officials to take strict action against those responsible for the violence in Cuttack. The Chief Minister’s Office said Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its brotherhood. The actions of some miscreants have disturbed the peace of the city in recent days.
