desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Amid tensions over Durga idol immersion, a violent clash broke out between police and protesters in the Dargah Bazaar area on Sunday. Protesters indulged in extensive vandalism. The situation worsened when some protesters began arguing with police over stopping the procession, leading to a confrontation. Police resorted to lathi charge to control the situation, leaving several people injured. Reports indicate that over eight policemen, including the Deputy Commissioner of Cuttack and the Dargah Bazaar police station in-charge, and some media personnel were also injured.
Action will be taken against the accused
In light of this serious situation, the Cuttack Commissionerate Police has decided to take strict action. Three special teams have been formed under the direction of Police Commissioner S. Dev Dutta Singh to identify and arrest protesters. The Commissioner has given strict instructions to officers to take immediate and strict legal action against anyone found involved in the violence.
Blocking internet and social media
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has suspended internet and social media services in parts of Cuttack for 24 hours. This decision was taken to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory messages in the city. According to an order issued by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the ban will be in effect from 7 pm on October 5th to 7 pm on October 6th. The ban has been imposed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Temporary Telecom Services Suspension Rules, 2017. This temporary internet shutdown will be applicable in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority, and 42 mouza areas. This includes both mobile data and broadband services.
There will be curfew in these areas
The Odisha government has imposed curfew and suspended internet services in 13 police station areas following incidents of violence in Cuttack. The move was taken after a recent factional clash during the Durga idol immersion procession in which 25 people were injured. Police Commissioner S Devdutt Singh said the orders will be in effect for 36 hours from 10 pm on Sunday. He said the curfew will be in force in Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markat Nagar, CDA Phase-2, Malgodam, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalis Mouza and Sadar police station areas.
Eight policemen injured in the violence
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Dr. Suresh Debdutt Singh said, "Today, an organization in Cuttack requested permission to hold a bike rally, but it was denied. This led to a clash with the police. Police insisted that they would not be allowed to pass through the road, fearing it could trigger communal tension. Eight policemen were injured in the stone-pelting. These people were later dispersed using force. We have also learned that rumors are being spread that one of the four people injured in the stone-pelting incident during the Durga idol immersion has died. Those spreading these rumors will be arrested. Of the four people injured that day, all suffered minor injuries. Three were discharged the same day. One is undergoing treatment. A curfew will be imposed to maintain peace."
DGP ordered an investigation
Meanwhile, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said, "The situation in Cuttack is currently under control. The police are keeping a close watch on the situation. Action will be taken against all anti-social elements involved in the violence. I would like to request all residents of Cuttack not to believe any rumours. They should immediately check the police website, the commissionerate website and their Twitter handles and understand the facts given there."
VHP alleges administrative failure
The VHP alleged administrative failure and demanded the immediate transfer of the DCP and district collector for their "inability to maintain law and order." The organization has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown on Monday in protest. "Despite repeated requests, the authorities failed to ensure a peaceful immersion," a VHP spokesperson said. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) blamed "anti-social elements" for attempting to disturb communal harmony.
CM appeals for peace
Odisha CMO said on this incident, "Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow over the incident of conflict in Cuttack and has appealed to everyone to maintain peace and order. The Chief Minister said that Cuttack city is a thousand year old city. Cuttack city is a unique example of brotherhood. However, for the last few days, due to some miscreants, peace in the city has been disturbed and the life of common people is being disrupted. The Chief Minister said that the government is keeping an eye on such miscreants and strict action will be taken against them as per the law."
Ignore inflammatory messages
The government says some people are trying to incite communal tension through the internet and social media. Therefore, this step has been taken to maintain peace and prevent law and order from being disrupted. The administration has appealed to the public to ignore any rumors or inflammatory messages and to cooperate in maintaining peace.
--Advertisement--
