Cuttack clash: Odisha govt suspends internet services for 24 hours amid tension

The Odisha Government on Sunday ordered a temporary suspension of internet and social media services in parts of Cuttack city following reports of tension and violent incidents between two groups.

In an official notification issued by the Home Department, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu stated that the decision was taken to prevent the spread of false, provocative, and inflammatory messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat, which could disturb public peace and order.

As per the order, the restrictions will remain in effect from 7 PM on October 5 to 7 PM on October 6, under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

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The temporary internet shutdown applies to all mobile and broadband data services across the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area, and the 42 Mauza region.

The directive came after the Cuttack District Administration, in its letter to the government, raised concerns over the misuse of the internet for spreading communal messages amid heightened tension in the city. The government said it aims to restore peace and ensure law and order.