Durga idol immersion resumes after violent clash in Cuttack; troublemakers identified, security tightened

The Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Cuttack resumed on Saturday amid tight security after a group clash near Dargha Bazaar area in the city late on Friday night that left six people injured, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.

Even though palpable tension continues in the region, sources said the last Rausapatna Puja Committee’s idol, which is the last one of the city, is now heading toward Devi Gada for the immersion. 

Speaking to OTV regarding the incident, ACP Narasingha Bhola said, “Some members of a Puja Committee were injured in stone pelting while their procession was passing through a particular area. Later, members of several Puja Committees reacted to the incident. The procession was halted. After we convinced them, they agreed to resume the procession. The last idol in the city, from Rausapatna, is now being taken to Devi Gada ghat under tight security.”

Sharing details about the clash, he said, “It was a sudden incident that created a major law and order situation. However, our senior officers, under the supervision of the DCP, managed to contain it in time.”

Culprits Identified

The senior police official added, “The entire immersion ceremony has been recorded. Constables deployed in plain clothes also captured footage on their mobile phones, and drones were used to record the procession. Based on these recordings, we have started the process to identify those who created disturbances. A few individuals have already been identified, and those involved will be arrested.”

"...It happens sometimes. But there is no issue in general...The police and the Puja Committee have resolved this very well...I appeal not to extend this and try to do this in a better manner next year by learning some lessons from this...," said Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.

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 “The clash initially broke out with the Jhanjirmanagala Puja Committee at Hati Pokhari Chhak. Police informed us that the issue was resolved, and we could continue our procession. Soon after, stones were hurled from rooftops and houses. I sustained head injuries, and six others were also injured in the clash,” a victim said.