"Ever since the BJP government came to power...," said the BJD MP about the Cuttack violence; read how the situation is now.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Dev condemned the violent clashes that broke out during Durga Puja idol immersion in Cuttack, Odisha, after police refused to allow a bike rally to prevent communal tensions, leading to stone pelting that left 25 people, including eight policemen, injured and the internet shut down.

He criticized the law and order situation and the rising crimes against women since the BJP-led government came to power. He said, “Cuttack is a city of brotherhood where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all live together and there is never any problem during festivals. What happened in Cuttack is extremely unfortunate. This government is neither able to handle the law and order situation nor stop atrocities against women. Ever since the BJP government came to power, the crime rate has increased.”

Security forces conducted flag march

Meanwhile, security forces conducted a flag march after tensions escalated following a clash between police and a group that had been denied permission to hold a bike rally. Twenty-five people, including eight police officers, were injured in the incident. Internet services have been shut down and a 36-hour curfew has been imposed.

What did the Police Commissioner say?

Police Commissioner Suresh Debdutt Singh said, “An organisation in Cuttack had sought permission to take out a bike rally, but it was denied. This led to a clash with the police when the police insisted that they would not be allowed to pass through the road as it could lead to communal tension. Eight policemen were injured in the stone pelting. Later, these people were dispersed using force.”

'False rumours were spread that the injured had died'

He clarified that the rumour of death due to injuries sustained in the stone pelting incident during Durga idol immersion was false, all four injured had minor injuries, three were discharged and one is undergoing treatment.

He said, "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 who spread these rumors will be arrested. Of the four people injured that day, all had minor injuries. Three were discharged the same day. One is undergoing treatment. A curfew will be imposed to maintain peace."

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