Violent Clash Erupts During Durga Idol Immersion in Cuttack

On the night of October 3, 2025, a violent group clash erupted during the Durga idol immersion ceremony in Cuttack, Odisha. The altercation began around 2 a.m. when the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja committee's procession was en route to Debigada for the idol immersion.

Local residents reportedly expressed their displeasure over the loud music accompanying the procession, leading to a heated argument between the two groups. The situation quickly escalated, with stones and glass bottles being thrown near the Dargha Bazar jail road, turning the area into a conflict zone.

The warring groups engaged in a stone-pelting battle, prompting the police to resort to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The clash resulted in injuries to several persons, including DCP Rishikesh Khilari, who suffered a forehead injury after being hit by a stone.

Members of the procession staged a dharna on the road, temporarily halting the idol immersion. Many idols remained stranded, though the police and local administration were persuading the protesters to withdraw the road blockade.

As of October 4, 2025, the situation remains tense, with the police deploying adequate personnel to prevent any further incidents.