Balasore town has implemented a night curfew, with restrictions continuing until October 21.

The Balasore district government has implemented a night curfew throughout the Balasore Municipality area as of Monday, October 6, in light of the holiday season and following recent unrest in Cuttack.

A notification issued by the Collector & District Magistrate, Balasore, states that all shops and commercial establishments within Balasore Municipality must close by 10 PM until October 21, 2025. The order notes that many shops stay open late, creating large crowds and posing a risk of law-and-order breakdown. To avert any untoward incidents during the festive period, especially ahead of Diwali, the Collector has directed the Superintendent of Police, Balasore, to ensure stringent night patrolling and strict enforcement of the early closure order, with exceptions only for emergency services. 

In order to preserve peace and order, the Executive Officer of the Balasore Municipality and the Tahasildar of Balasore have also been ordered to coordinate and guarantee complete compliance.

In the meanwhile, police have begun using loudspeakers to notify the curfew to the public and ask for cooperation. To make sure that everyone is aware of the directive, announcements are also being delivered via mikes in different streets and areas throughout the town.

The action comes after a clash in Cuttack that has already resulted in the arrest of eight people.