Internet Services Restored in Cuttack After 48-Hour Suspension

Cuttack: Internet services in Cuttack were fully restored on Tuesday evening, bringing relief to residents after a 48-hour suspension imposed in the wake of communal tensions.

The Odisha Home Department had restricted access to mobile internet and social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, in areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) and the 42 Mauza region from October 5. The initial 24-hour suspension, which was to end at 7 pm on October 6, was extended by another day amid security concerns.

The restoration of internet services followed the lifting of curfew earlier in the day. A senior police official said the situation in the city has returned to normal and remains under strict surveillance. Police personnel continue to be deployed in sensitive localities to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents.

The 36-hour curfew had been enforced in areas including Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Puri Ghat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase II, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, 42 Mauza and Sadar police station limits.

The restrictions were imposed after violence erupted during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) motorcycle rally on October 5, held in protest against an alleged attack on a Durga idol immersion procession near Dargha Bazar on October 3.