Cuttack violence: After the clash during the Durga Murti Visarjan Yatra, there was a tense situation in Cuttack city on Sunday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik appealed to the citizens to maintain communal harmony. This appeal came after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a motorcycle rally in the evening, disregarding the order of the district administration.
10 big updates regarding clash in Cuttack
- The rally started from Vidyadharpur, the eastern outskirts of the city and passed through the Dargah market and other major areas. During this time, the CCTV cameras installed on the route were damaged and the shops in Gaurishankar Park area were set on fire.
- The state government suspended the Internet services from 7 pm to 7 pm on Sunday evening to 7 pm on Sunday in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) and 42 Mauja area nearby.
- CM Mohan Charan Majhi said that strict action will be taken against those who violate. He said that Cuttack is a thousand year old city, which is known for brotherhood and unity.
- Naveen Patnaik said that Odisha’s reputation is in the form of a peace loving state and it is necessary to maintain law and order.
- Congress MLA from Barabati Cuttack Sophia Firdaus said that he is sad and concerned about the developments. He said that those who break the unity of Durga Puja celebrated for more than 500 years should be punished according to the law.
- The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12 -hour bandh in the city on 6 October to protest against the clash.
- There was a clash near Hathi Pokhari in the Dargah market area between 1.30 and 2 pm on Saturday. The mob threw stones and glass bottles from the roofs, injuring many people, including DCP player Rishikesh Gyan Dev.
- Six persons were arrested for involvement in the violence.
- After the incident, the presence of police in Cuttack was increased and internet services were banned to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation.
- According to officials, violence erupted when some local people objected to playing music in a loud voice during the immersion journey. The debate gradually turned into a confrontation.