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Violent Clashes Erupt During Idol Immersion Festival in Cuttack, Odisha
4 Oct
Summary
- At least 15 people, including police, injured in clashes during Bhasna festival
- Rival groups hurled stones and bottles at each other during processions
- Situation brought under control after deployment of Central Armed Police Forces
On October 2, 2025, festive celebrations in Cuttack, Odisha, took a violent turn as clashes broke out between groups during the Bhasna (idol immersion) festival processions. The tensions first ignited during the Jhanjirimangala Puja Samiti's Bhasna procession, where two rival groups began hurling stones and glass bottles at each other, prompting immediate police intervention.
In a separate incident, another group clash erupted during the Rausapatna procession as it passed through Hathi Pokhari, leading to violence and vandalism. Among the injured were both festival participants and bystanders, with one person critically hurt and shifted to the hospital.
In total, 15 individuals were injured in the two incidents, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Khilari and four other police personnel. The clashes caused significant disruption, with around 50 idol-carrying vehicles delayed for nearly four hours. The situation worsened around 2 am near Hatipokhari, leading authorities to call in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to restore order.
The processions resumed around 6 am under heavy security deployment, and the Police Commissioner later clarified that the clash was from one side, and the situation is now normal. A formal investigation is underway to identify those responsible for inciting the unrest.
