Argus News - Cuttack under Curfew and Internet Ban after Violent Unrest

Cuttack, Oct 6: Following recent unrest in Cuttack, the city administration has imposed a 36-hour curfew across 13 sensitive areas starting Sunday night at 10 pm.

The affected zones include Dargha Bazaar, Manglabag, Cantonment, Purighat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase-2, Malgodown, and Badambadi police station areas. Additional curfew has been enforced in Jagatpur, Bayalis Mouza, and Cuttack Sadar.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed that three cases have been registered and several individuals have been arrested. He warned that more arrests may follow and appealed to citizens to maintain peace. “Violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated.

Also read: Cuttack Immersion Procession Turns Violent

ADG Sanjay Kumar added that the miscreants involved in the violence have been identified using CCTV footage and digital evidence. He assured that law and order in Cuttack is currently under control. To ensure security, 50–60 police personnel, five companies of CAPF, and one Rapid Action Force unit have been deployed.

The administration has exempted government offices, emergency services, and schools from the curfew. However, public gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations remain strictly prohibited.

In a bid to curb misinformation and prevent further escalation, mobile internet services have been suspended in Cuttack for 24 hours, effective until 7 pm, Monday. Social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly twitter) have been restricted. The Home Department issued an official notification enforcing the internet ban in CMC, CDA, and Bayalish Mouza areas.

Authorities have urged residents not to believe in rumours and to cooperate with law enforcement to restore normalcy. The situation is being closely monitored, and further measures will be taken if necessary.