The Odisha government has suspended internet services in Cuttack for 24 hours following fresh incidents of violence in the city. The Odisha police have reportedly arrested six rioters in connection with the case.
Cuttack remained tense on Sunday following fresh incidents of violence linked to a group clash two days ago during a Durga idol immersion procession. Defying prohibitory orders, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members organised a motorcycle rally in the evening in Cuttack.
According to authorities, internet services have been suspended in areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region, from 7pm on Sunday to 7pm on Monday to prevent the spread of misinformation.
According to police, shops in the Gourishankar Park area were allegedly set on fire after police stopped the procession. CCTV cameras on the route have also been damaged.
The VHP rally began at Bidyadharpur on the eastern outskirts of the city and moved through key areas. The rally also passed through Dargah Bazar locality - the epicentre of the violence that took place on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday - before ending at Sector 11 of CDA on the city's western fringe.
Clashes broke out in the Daraghabazar area on Saturday when an immersion procession was heading towards Debigara on the banks of the Kathajodi river. According to officials, the clash broke out after some locals objected to high-decibel music played during the procession.
Allegedly, a mob started pelting stones and glass bottles from rooftops on the processions, injuring several revellers. Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo also suffered injuries.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik urged citizens to maintain communal harmony. Majhi warned that strict action will be taken against violators.
In a statement, the chief minister urged the public to maintain peace.
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"Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its brotherhood. Due to the actions of some miscreants, the peace of the city has been disturbed in recent days," he stated.
Expressing concern, former CM Patnaik said Odisha has the reputation of being a peace-loving state. |
