High-decibel music during a Durga Puja immersion procession, stone pelting by a group that objected, a rumour and a bike rally defying police restrictions – this was the cocktail that put Odisha’s otherwise peaceful Cuttack on edge.

As the 36-hour curfew imposed following Sunday’s violence and arson was relaxed by the administration at 10 am on Tuesday, 70-year-old Seikh Jawar, who ran a stationery shop near the Gaurishankar Park, found his establishment reduced to ashes. “What was my fault, and who will compensate me for this loss?” asked Jawar.

Imtiaz, 42, who has an eatery in Darga Bazar, said his cart was burnt down. “Durga Puja has a 400-year history here. When we had no issue earlier, why would we object now? Vested interests are spreading rumours to incite hate and indulge in viol

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