Four shopkeepers have been arrested in Cuttack over an alleged assault on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ananya Awasthi during a Diwali firecracker enforcement drive, police said on November 10, 2026. The incident took place in Nayasadak on Sunday night, after the permitted time for bursting crackers had ended.
Four shopkeepers arrested
The accused are Binay Agrawal, 32, and Mohit Nangalia, 22, both of Nayasadak; Krishna Soni, 20, of Upper Telenga Bazar; and Yash Choudhury, 23, of Kaligali. Police said all four are shopkeepers.
According to reports, a dispute began when police told local shopkeepers to stop bursting firecrackers after the permitted deadline, in line with guidelines issued by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board. The argument reportedly turned into a scuffle, creating tension in the area. Some shopkeepers allegedly continued bursting crackers on the road despite police instructions. Awasthi, who was overseeing the enforcement drive, intervened and was allegedly manhandled. Videos of the incident circulated on social media.
Investigation continues
Additional police personnel were sent to the area after the confrontation to prevent further escalation. On Monday, police reviewed CCTV footage and videos shared online before identifying and arresting the four men. Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said more arrests may follow as the investigation proceeds.
The permitted window for bursting firecrackers on Diwali was 7 pm to 9 pm. Police said some residents continued on a busy stretch of road well beyond the deadline, inconveniencing commuters. Lalbag police station has registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Odisha Urban Police Act. Investigators are working to identify any other people involved.
Awasthi’s service background
Awasthi is an Odisha-cadre IPS officer of the 2022 batch. Before returning to her current posting in the Cuttack Commissionerate, she served as the first woman Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Odisha.
