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Following a clash between two communities during Durga Puja idol immersion, tensions escalated on Sunday when rioters set fire to eight to ten locations. Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera reported that rioters were throwing stones.
However, police have been deployed to manage the situation.
"We received information that near Gouri Shankar Park, rioters had set fire at eight to ten places. We have extinguished the fire. The rioters are pelting stones at us. Police have been deployed to control the situation," Behera told.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has imposed a 24-hour suspension of internet services from Sunday. In addition, the use of social media has been prohibited in the affected areas.
According to a Government of Odisha circular, a ban has been imposed on the use and access of social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and X, until 7 pm on Monday in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) and the 42 Mauza Region.
These orders have been issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the city. He also expressed deep concern over the law and order situation.
Earlier, a heavy police force was deployed after a clash erupted during the Durga Puja immersion in Cuttack. Additional Police Commissioner Narsingh Bholo stated that police personnel had been deployed on the rooftops of buildings along both sides of the route.
"We are providing complete police protection. Police have also been deployed on the rooftops of buildings on both sides of the route. We are fully confident and hopeful that the procession will reach the Debigada without any problems," said Bholo.
