Kolkata: Tension broke out at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata on Sunday, September 27, after clashes were reported between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, an RSS-affiliated organisation.
The incident took place after the organisation was allowed to hold an event at the institute’s main auditorium. Students reportedly objected to the programme, saying that the auditorium had not been used for political programmes in the past.
According to reports, the organisation had rented the hall for the event and claimed that the programme was being held with the permission of the authorities. The organisers alleged that some students entered the venue and tore down their flags, posters and banners.
Students, however, raised objections to the event and alleged that some speakers at the programme made provocative speeches. The disagreement between the two sides reportedly turned into a physical confrontation inside the campus.
The situation became tense as clashes continued in the presence of police. Students alleged that members of the organisation attacked them, with some claiming that knives were used during the confrontation. At least four students were reportedly seriously injured, while several others were also hurt.
There were also allegations that some teachers were assaulted while trying to intervene. The organisers, on the other hand, claimed that their members were attacked and that several people were injured. One member of the organisation said that four people had been admitted to hospital.
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Visuals from the campus showed injured students and protesters demonstrating at the institute. Students were also heard raising slogans including “Jai Bhim” and “Go Back RSS”.
Police were deployed at the campus to control the situation. According to students, police detained a person who was allegedly involved in the clash and took him away in a police vehicle. Students also alleged that people supporting the detained person gathered outside the campus and demanded his release.
The students further alleged that police were recording the names and addresses of complainants instead of taking action against those accused of attacking them. They expressed concern that their personal details could later be used to intimidate them.
The Progressive Students’ Youth Association (PSYA) said around 150 students remained inside the campus and raised concerns over the availability of medical assistance and security.
The allegations from both sides have not been independently verified. Details from Kolkata Police, the SRFTI administration and the organisers are awaited as the situation continues to develop.
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