Cuttack, Odisha, has been placed under heightened security following violent clashes during a Durga Puja immersion procession, prompting authorities to impose a 36-hour curfew and suspend internet and social media services for 24 hours.

The violence erupted late Friday near Haathi Pokhari in the Dargah Bazar area, when locals objected to the loud music accompanying the immersion. Stone-pelting, glass bottles, and clashes from rooftops escalated tensions, injuring several, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

To curb further unrest, the state government ordered a suspension of services like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and broadband internet from Sunday evening to Monday evening across large parts of Cuttack, including 42 mauza areas.  The restrictions are intended to block “inflammatory and provocative messages” that could worsen the situation.