Cuttack: Odisha government Sunday imposed a temporary shutdown of internet and social media services in parts of Cuttack following sporadic violence, officials said.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government suspended internet services in areas under Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region from 7pm of Sunday to 7pm of Monday to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to a notification issued by the Home Department.
Tension reportedly flared at Dargah Bazar earlier in the day when protesters came face-to-face with the police. The confrontation turned violent, leaving more than half a dozen police officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishikesh Khillari and the local IIC, injured. Some journalists covering the incident were also reportedly hurt, a source said.
Officials said many CCTV cameras were damaged, while shops near Gourishankar Park were set on fire. The situation remained tense, with heavy deployment of security personnel in sensitive areas.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday appealed for peace.
It can be mentioned here that violence first erupted between 1.30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday, near Haathi Pokhari in Daraghabazar area when an immersion procession was heading towards Devi Gada on the banks of the Kathajodi river, police said.
According to officials, the violence erupted after some locals objected to high-decibel music being played during the procession. The arguments soon escalated into a confrontation when a mob started pelting stones and glass bottles from rooftops on the processions, injuring several revellers, including Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. To tackle the situation, police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
PNN & Agencies