Police resort to lathicharge in Cuttack; CM appeals for calm

Cuttack (By Abhishek Mohanty): Fresh tension erupted in Cuttack on Sunday after a clash broke out between police personnel and protestors at Darghabazar area.

Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and several other organisations staged a demonstration ahead of the bandh scheduled for Monday. As the protest was held without permission, police intervened to stop it. When the agitators resisted, police resorted to mild lathicharge and used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

During the scuffle and stone pelting, Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo and Darghabazar IIC sustained injuries. The incident is believed to be linked to the earlier group clash that occurred during the Dussehra idol immersion procession. 

Six people, including the DCP, were injured in that clash, and six others were arrested.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to the people of Cuttack to maintain peace and harmony. 

Describing Cuttack as a thousand-year-old city known for its unity and brotherhood, the Chief Minister said its legacy of communal harmony must be preserved. He also warned that stringent action would be taken against those involved in disturbing law and order.