Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 (NationPress) Following a surge of violence in Cuttack during a bike rally organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on the evening of October 5, which was sparked by an attack on a Durga Puja immersion procession, local authorities have enforced a curfew in various sensitive areas of the city for the next 36 hours, as announced by officials on Monday.

During a press briefing in Cuttack on Sunday, Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh stated, "The situation is now under control. A curfew is in effect in the areas affected by violence and other vulnerable zones for the next 36 hours. Anyone found participating in rioting will face strict consequences, and we will take firm action against those involved in today's unrest."

The Commissioner specified that the curfew covers regions such as Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Puri Ghat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA-Phase II, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, 42 Mouza, and the Sadar Police station area for the next 36 hours.

However, he emphasized that medical and essential services, government offices, schools, and market areas where milk and basic groceries are available are exempt from the curfew.

Singh reported that four individuals were injured during the violent episode that occurred late Friday night at Dargha Bazar during the immersion of the Durga idol.

He mentioned that six suspects, identified through CCTV footage, were apprehended on Saturday and presented in court. Singh also dismissed a rumor circulating on social media regarding the death of one of the four injured victims from Friday night’s incident, warning that actions would be taken against those spreading such misinformation online.

According to the police, four individuals suffered injuries during the clash. Of these, three (Pintu Mahar, Mukesh Mahar, and Subhashree Jena) have since been discharged after treatment on October 4. The fourth individual (Sankar Biswal) remains hospitalized but is stable, conscious, and not in immediate danger. Fortunately, no fatalities have been linked to this event.

“In response to the incident from Friday night, the VHP planned to hold a bike rally. However, the Commissionerate police denied permission, fearing potential unrest. Disregarding police warnings, the protestors attempted to access sensitive areas that could disrupt communal harmony. In retaliation, the police were met with stone pelting that resulted in injuries to 25 personnel, eight of whom were seriously hurt. The police subsequently dispersed the crowd using baton charges and rubber bullets,” the police commissioner elaborated.

Additionally, the Home Department had previously suspended Internet services in Cuttack city and nearby regions for 24 hours on Sunday. Meanwhile, the VHP has announced a 12-hour bandh on Monday to protest the violence that transpired in the Dargha Bazar area on Friday night.