Violence erupts during Durga immersion in Cuttack: Vehicles set on fire, shops vandalised; Internet shutdown; VHP announces bandh today

The situation remained tense in Odisha's Cuttack after violent clashes broke out during the Durga Puja Visarjan ceremony on Sunday. The authorities have imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the city. Internet services have also been suspended. Twenty-five people were injured in the violence that erupted after clashes between two groups. Six people have been arrested so far. Curfew will be imposed in many parts of the city from 10 pm on Sunday for the next 36 hours. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour strike from morning to evening on Monday. A VHP spokesperson said the administration had failed to ensure a peaceful dissolution despite repeated requests. 4 Pictures of Violence and Protests Now understand how the controversy unfolded... The immersion yatra was taking place on the banks of the Kathjodi river at Devigara from Daragabazar area of Cuttack. Meanwhile, violence erupted in the Hati Pokhari area between 1:30 am and 2:00 am. According to the police, the scuffle started when some locals objected to the loud music being played during the procession. The dispute escalated, due to which stones and bottles were thrown from the roof, injuring several people. DCP Khiladi Rishikesh Gyandev was also among the injured. Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles and shops were vandalised. The immersion was stopped for about three hours. Later, under tight security, the immersion resumed, and by 9:30 am, all the idols were immersed. Assistant Fire Officer Sanjib Kumar Behera said, "The miscreants set fire to several places near Gaurishankar Park. We received reports of fires at 8-10 places. We had extinguished the fire but the mob was still pelting stones at us. Police are handling the situation on the spot," he said, adding that additional police forces have been deployed in key areas of the city. Senior police officers are monitoring the situation to prevent further violence. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi blamed anti-social elements for disturbing communal harmony. Strict action will be taken against those responsible. The injured will get free treatment. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sultana Dev: Cuttack is a city of brotherhood where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians have always lived together. What has happened is extremely unfortunate. This government cannot maintain law and order or protect women. The crime rate has increased since the BJP government came to power.