"Strictest possible action must be taken against antisocial elements": Congress MLA Sofia Firdous on Cuttack Violence

Cuttack (Odisha) [India], October 6 (ANI): Congress MLA Sofia Firdous on Monday condemned the recent violence in Cuttack and called on authorities to take the strictest action against those responsible.
Speaking to ANI, Firdous said the strictest possible action should be taken against antisocial elements.
"We all condemn the unfortunate incidents that have occurred in Cuttack city over the last two days. Yesterday, too, the way ordinary shops were vandalised, violence occurred...This kind of scene is very shocking for us...Strictest possible action should be taken against antisocial elements," she added.
Firdous reiterated the need for strict action to restore peace quickly. "This is our clear demand, and all those involved should be found and the strictest possible action should be taken against them. They should be punished...We celebrate all the pujas and festivals together in Cuttack...We will bring back peace. Where peace exists, there is progress," she said.
Earlier today, Cuttack Additional Deputy General Law and Order, Sanjay Kumar on Monday said that the situation in the city following the clashes that took place during the Durga Puja immersion had returned to normal, further stating that a total of six people had been arrested so far. Additional arrests were expected in separate cases.
He further said that the culprits had been identified through CCTV footage and various digital platforms.
"We've received reports of some unfortunate incidents here. Essentially, there wasn't a communal issue. It was a group clash in which several police officers were injured. Six people have been arrested so far, and additional arrests are expected in separate cases. They have been identified through CCTV footage and various digital platforms. We will arrest the other culprits very soon... Curfew has been implemented to prevent violence from escalating, and approximately 50 platoons of force have been deployed. Ten platoons of force have been placed on standby. Furthermore, we have deployed CAPF companies here..." Kumar told ANI.
Speaking about the internet shutdown, the ADGP stated that the action had been taken due to misuse and to prevent the spread of rumours on social media channels.
"The situation remains completely peaceful and is expected to continue in this manner...A handful of people were misusing the internet. They were spreading false rumours on various social media channels. To stop them, the internet has been temporarily shut down, and you may have noticed that the misinformation has stopped..." he further stated.
Clashes occurred between two groups during the Durga Puja immersion procession, resulting in injuries and property damage.
A 36-hour curfew has been imposed, and an adequate police force has been deployed to maintain law and order.
The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation, and senior police officers are working to bring the situation under control. (ANI)