Odisha: Eight Held After Cuttack Violence; RDC Promises Tough Action Against Offenders
Authorities say peace has been restored after Durga Puja immersion clashes; curfew and internet restrictions to remain in force until further review.
Cuttack, Oct 7: The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of Central Division, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, reviewed the situation in Cuttack on Tuesday following violent clashes during the Durga Puja immersion on Monday night. She was accompanied by Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola and Cuttack District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.
RDC Kumar said all individuals involved in disrupting peace and damaging the city’s social harmony would face strict legal action.
“Anyone who has taken the law into their own hands will be booked. Society wants peace, and those trying to damage the social fabric will be taken to task,” she stated.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh said curfew was imposed after incidents of stone pelting on police personnel to prevent further escalation.
“No fresh violence has been reported since then. Patrolling and static deployment have been intensified, and normalcy is gradually returning. Eight people have been arrested so far, and more suspects are being identified,” Singh said.
Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola announced that the curfew will remain in force until 10 a.m. tomorrow, while internet restrictions have been extended for another 24 hours.
“We are analysing CCTV, drone, and camera footage to identify all those involved. Arrests will continue based on evidence. Emergency services remain operational,” Bhola added.
The situation is being closely monitored, and authorities will decide on relaxing or extending restrictions based on public cooperation and ground reports.
The clashes, which broke out between two groups during the Durga Puja idol immersion, left 25 people injured, including eight police personnel. Internet services remain suspended as a precautionary measure.
