Bhubaneswar: The Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack on Thursday said that the situation in Cuttack has been brought under control following recent clashes during Durga Puja festivities. A total of 31 people have been arrested so far in connection with two incidents of violence reported from the Dargha Bazaar area in Cuttack district.
Addressing a press briefing, Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said normalcy has returned to Cuttack after two separate violent clashes at Dargha Bazaar—one during an idol immersion procession on October 3 and another on October 5, when police denied permission for a bike rally organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
“A total of nine people have been arrested in connection with the first clash on October 3. While six were arrested earlier, three more were taken into custody today,” Singh said.
He added that in the second incident on October 5, 22 persons have been arrested so far, including two who were allegedly involved in spreading provocative content through social media.
The police, in coordination with a nodal cyber agency, have identified over 300 social media accounts sharing misleading and inflammatory posts. Police have taken steps to remove such content from digital platforms.
Issuing a stern warning, the Commissioner said strict action would be taken against anyone found spreading misinformation or inciting violence online.
“We are adopting a zero-tolerance policy. If any individual is found engaging in such activities, they will be arrested. If employed in the private or government sector, their jobs will be at risk. Students involved in such acts may face consequences affecting their academic credentials,” he cautioned.
The police remain on high alert in sensitive areas, with increased surveillance to ensure peace and prevent any further unrest.
