On October 4, 2025, violent clashes broke out in Cuttack, Odisha, during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession. The unrest began around 1:30-2:00 AM near Haathi Pokhari in Dargah Bazar, when locals objected to the loud music from the Jhanjirmangala Bhagabat Sahi Puja committee’s procession, which was heading to Debigara on the banks of the Kathajodi River. Arguments escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing, injuring several, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
Videos of the chaos, including arson and vandalism, spread rapidly on social media, heightening tensions. Police used baton charges to disperse crowds, arresting several suspects.
Authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew under Section 163 BNSS across 13 police station limits from the evening of October 5 to the morning of October 7, restricting non-essential movement. Internet services were suspended from 7:00 PM on October 5 to 7:00 PM on October 6.
What happened in Cuttack during Durga Puja Bhasani is shameful and unacceptable. Stone and bottle pelting on hindu devotees by muslim community has resulted in communal riots. Those who disturb peace in the name of religion must face strict action. #Cuttack #DurgaPuja #curfew pic.twitter.com/P6Ats9dIRR
— Suraj Sureka (@surajsureka9) October 5, 2025Heavy security, including 60 police platoons and eight paramilitary companies, was deployed. Vehicle checks intensified at entry points. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed for peace, calling Cuttack a “city of brotherhood” and promising action against perpetrators.
Tensions reignited on the evening of October 5 when a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-organised motorcycle rally, denied permission, clashed with police in sensitive areas. Protesters hurled stones, injuring 25 officers and damaging property. VHP called a 12-hour bandh on October 6 to protest the clashes.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi blamed the BJP government for stoking divisions. “Under BJD rule, no such clashes occurred,” she told ANI. “BJP divides people for politics.” BJD chief Naveen Patnaik echoed concerns, urging calm and criticising police inaction.
Cuttack, known for centuries of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Christian harmony, now grapples with a rare spike in communal tensions. BJD MP Sulata Deo called it “extremely unfortunate,” highlighting the city’s tradition of unity.
