Cuttack Tension: Odisha government suspends internet services for 24 hours

Cuttack (05/10/2025): The Odisha government on Sunday suspended internet services for 24 hours in Cuttack following fresh disturbances in the city. To curb the spread of rumours and maintain law and order, restrictions have been placed on social media usage from 7 PM on Sunday to 7 PM on Monday (October 6). The restriction on internet services will be in force at Cuttack Municipal Corporation area, CDA and 42 Mouza areas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik have appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony.

The Chief Minister has directed the DGP to camp in Cuttack to closely monitor the situation. Fresh tension erupted on Sunday after a clash broke out between police personnel and protestors in the Darghabazar area.

Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and several other organisations staged a demonstration ahead of the bandh called for Monday.

As the protest was held without permission, police intervened to stop it.

When agitators resisted, the police resorted to mild lathicharge and used water cannons to disperse the crowd. During the scuffle and stone pelting, Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo and Darghabazar IIC sustained minor injuries.

The incident is believed to be a continuation of the earlier group clash during the Dussehra idol immersion procession, in which six people, including the DCP, were injured.

Six others were arrested in connection with that clash.