Durga Puja Immersion Turns Violent in Cuttack; DCP Among Six Injured

Cuttack,  — What began as a festive farewell to Goddess Durga turned chaotic late Friday night when violence erupted during an idol immersion procession under Dargha Bazar police limits.

At least six individuals, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Khilari, sustained injuries in the clash.

The unrest began around 2 a.m. as the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee’s idol was en route to Debigada.

Eyewitnesses reported that local residents objected to the loud music, sparking a heated argument that escalated into stone and bottle pelting.

The confrontation lasted nearly three hours along Dargha Bazar Jail Road, leaving several vehicles damaged.

DCP Khilari, who was overseeing the situation, suffered an eye injury.

Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Tensions flared again when another idol from Rausapatna reached the same locality, prompting fresh clashes.

Amid the chaos, members of the procession staged a sit-in protest, halting the immersion and leaving nearly 50 idols stranded.

Authorities have since deployed additional forces to sensitive zones to prevent further escalation and ensure the smooth completion of the immersion process.

The incident has cast a shadow over Cuttack’s traditionally peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, raising concerns about crowd control and communal harmony during public festivities.