Tension palpable in violence-hit Cuttack, heavy security deployed amid 12-hr bandh
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Cuttack (PTI): Tension was palpable in Odisha's Cuttack city, where a 12-hour bandh was underway on Monday amid prohibitory orders imposed following the violence during the Durga Puja immersion processions and subsequent clashes between VHP activists and the police.
The prohibitory orders were issued on Sunday night in 13 of the 20 police station areas of the city, officials said.
Internet services were also suspended for 24 hours from 7 pm on Sunday to prevent a flare-up, they said.
Clashes broke out in the early hours of Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area as locals objected to loud music being played in immersion processions. What started as an argument soon escalated, leading to the hurling of stones and glass bottles.
Six people, including Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, were injured in the clashes.
Alleging that the police failed to stop the attack on the processions, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called a 12-hour bandh on Monday.
On Sunday, a motorcycle rally by VHP activists in support of the bandh was stopped by the police when they reached the trouble-torn area, leading to a fresh bout of violence.
Twenty-five people, including eight policemen, were injured. Several shops in the Gourishankar Park area were allegedly set on fire.
The bandh, which began at 6 am, evoked a mixed response.
Government offices and educational institutions were functioning with thin attendance. Markets and petrol pumps remained open, and public transport was available on the road, but less than usual due to the slew of restrictions.
ACP Narasingha Bhol claimed the situation has been normal since the morning.
He said 1,800 personnel of the state police have been deployed along with around 800 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Odisha Swift Action Force in the city.
Police patrols are continuing in sensitive areas, he said, adding that restrictions have also been imposed on entry into the city.
"People from outside are not allowed entry into Cuttack city, except those working here and patients travelling to the SCB Medical College and Hospital. Passenger buses are being stopped at the entry points. All the entry points of the city have been blocked to keep a check on the movement of anti-social elements from outside," he said.
ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said that there was no report of any untoward incident, with all agencies put on high alert.
He said senior officers are monitoring the situation on the field, and directions have been issued for taking prompt action against anyone found taking the law into their hands.
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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
