Muslim Created Communal Tensions Escalate in Odisha: A Tale of Two Incidents.

Odisha: Hindutva workers destroy make-shift buthcher house, meat shop, free cows in Bhubaneshwar. Durga Puja immersion procession attacked in Cuttack.

Satarupa Mohanty | HENB | Cuttack | Oct 6, 2025::  In a disturbing trend, Odisha witnessed two separate incidents of communal tension within a short span, exposing the underlying fault lines in the state’s social fabric. On one hand, Hindutva workers took the law into their own hands, attacking a Muslim butcher shop and nearby sheds in Bhubaneshwar’s Palsuni area, alleging illegal cow slaughter. On the other hand, clashes erupted between Hindus and Muslims in Cuttack during Durga idol immersions, highlighting the challenges of maintaining communal harmony in the state.

The Bhubaneshwar Incident

Recently, a group of Hindutva workers, affiliated with the Gorakshak Mandali, stormed a Muslim-owned butcher shop in Palsuni, Bhubaneshwar, accusing the proprietor of engaging in illegal cow slaughter. The mob damaged the make shift slaughter house, meat shop and nearby sheds, freeing cows from the premises. A video of the incident, which was widely shared on social media, showed the workers damaging property and dragging cows while shouting “Jai Shri Ram” slogans. This incident has sparked a debate about the role of vigilante groups in enforcing laws and the potential for communal polarization.

Muslim minorities in Odisha are daring to make cow slaughter here and there in the state to create communal tension to register their fanatic presence

The Cuttack Clash

In a separate incident, tensions flared up between Hindus and Muslims in Cuttack’s Dargah Bazaar area during Durga idol immersions on October 4. A Hindu procession, accompanied by loud music, was passing through the area around 1:30 am when Muslims challenged the group to stop playing music, citing concerns about disturbing a Muslim fakir laid under a nearby grave. The situation quickly escalated, and stones were allegedly pelted at the procession, leading to clashes between the two groups. To maintain law and order, a 36-hour curfew was imposed, and internet services were suspended.

A retaliatory action was reportedly taken by the Hindu side in response to the incident.

Demographic Context

According to the 2011 Census of India, Muslims comprise approximately 2.2% of Odisha’s population, with Hindus making up the overwhelming majority. Despite their small numbers, allegations have been made that some Muslim mobs are creating communal tensions in the state, allegedly under the patronage of organizations like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

Demand for Ban on Cow Slaughter

The recent incidents have also brought to the fore demands from Hindu groups to ban cow slaughter in the pious land of Jagannath Khestra and Lingraj Temple region. Many Hindus in Odisha are calling upon the government to take concrete steps to prevent cow slaughter, citing cultural and religious sentiments.

As the situation stands, it is imperative for the authorities to maintain law and order, while also addressing the underlying issues driving communal tensions in the state. The people of Odisha deserve peace, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work towards fostering a harmonious society.
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_Agency inputs.