Cuttack clash: 1000-year-old brotherhood shattered in seconds; a timeline of the incident

For over a thousand years, Cuttack has stood as a living symbol of harmony and coexistence, a city where people of diverse backgrounds have lived together with trust and mutual respect. Known as the Millennium City, its narrow lanes and historic neighbourhoods have long echoed with stories of brotherhood, compassion, and unity that have defined its collective spirit for generations.

But late Friday night clash, that legacy was scarred. What began as a routine Durga Puja idol immersion procession suddenly spiralled into a violent confrontation between two groups. Stones were hurled, tempers flared, and in a matter of seconds, the peace that defined Cuttack for generations was shattered, leaving behind tension, fear, and disbelief in a city that has always prided itself on unity.

Night Of The Clash

During the immersion procession of Durga idols late on Friday night, a heated argument reportedly broke out between two groups near Dargha Bazaar. Within moments, verbal spats escalated into stone-pelting and scuffles. Police intervened swiftly, using mild force to disperse the mob. Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo along with four people were injured in the confrontation.

Tensions Erupts Subsequently

Rumours began circulating on social media claiming that one of the injured had died. Fake videos and inflammatory posts quickly spread, fuelling tension in nearby areas. Commissionerate Police intensified patrolling and appealed for calm. A flag march was conducted on Sunday across sensitive pockets of the city to restore confidence among residents. 

Also Read: Cuttack clash: Commissionerate Police issues advisory, urges not to believe or circulate rumours

However tension escalated again in the evening after a violent clash broke out between police and the protesters at Dargah Bazar in Cuttack when demonstrators confronted the police. As per reports, more than six police officials, including the DCP and the Dargah Bazar police station IIC, were injured, along with some media personnel.

Curfew and Advisory

To prevent further escalation, the administration imposed a 36-hour curfew from 10 PM Sunday, and suspended internet services till 7 PM Monday. The Commissionerate Police issued a public advisory confirming that no deaths had occurred in the clash. Of the four injured, Pintu Mahar, Mukesh Mahar, and Subhashree Jena were discharged while Sankar Biswal remains under treatment but stable.

Police also warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading misinformation, emphasizing that false narratives were being used to disturb communal harmony.

City Under Watch

Heavy police deployment continues across Cuttack. Markets remain closed, and movement is restricted in curfew-hit areas. Senior officials are monitoring the situation closely while peace committee meetings have been initiated to restore normalcy.

Read More: Commissionerate Police conducts flag march ahead of VHP’s Cuttack bandh call

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi and other local leaders and residents have appealed for unity, reaffirming Cuttack’s age-old spirit of brotherhood that has stood strong for a millennium.