New Delhi: The Odisha government on Monday extended the suspension of internet services in Cuttack until 7 PM on October 7, following a series of violent incidents during Durga idol immersion processions last week.
The Cuttack district administration cited concerns over the misuse of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X to spread provocative and inflammatory messages, which could disrupt public order and peace.
Two separate incidents of violence in Daragha Bazar between Friday and Sunday left at least 31 people injured, including 10 police personnel. The first clash occurred during the night between Friday and Saturday, resulting in six injuries. The second incident unfolded on Sunday evening when police stopped a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) bike rally from passing through a sensitive area, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to 25 individuals, including eight policemen.
Internet services had initially been suspended for 24 hours from 7 PM on Sunday to prevent further escalation. A notification from the Home Department on Monday extended the suspension for another 24 hours, citing concerns that anti-social elements may use online platforms to spread rumours and incite communal tensions, disrupt peace, and cause damage to life and property.
The notification clarified that the order does not apply to government internet and intranet services, including OSWAN (Odisha State Wide Area Network), banking, railways, and other government operations. It also warned that violations would be dealt with under the relevant provisions of law.
Earlier, Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh suggested that Sunday’s clash may have been triggered by false social media messages regarding the health of one of the injured individuals, which were intended to provoke communal unrest. “The police are searching for those responsible for spreading such messages that could affect social harmony,” he said.
The extended internet suspension aims to curb misinformation and maintain law and order in the city.
