Violence Erupts at Kolkata Film Institute as Students Protest RSS-Organized Event

In a disturbing incident at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, at least six students sustained injuries after confronting an event organized by an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday. This clash underscores the ongoing tensions between student unions and right-wing organizations on campus.

The event was hosted by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, a consumer rights group that is linked to the RSS, which is known for its close ties to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to reports, the SRFTI administration had not notified the student body prior to granting permission for the event, leading to rising discontent among students.

Members of the students’ union voiced their concerns over the RSS’s influence, claiming that the event was being used as a platform to propagate a particular ideological agenda. Poorvi Bondre, a representative of the student union, stated in an interview that participants were labeled as ‘anti-nationals’ and ‘Naxals’ by the event’s attendees when they confronted them. The situation escalated quickly as violence broke out, with reports of students being attacked with knives, chased, and even having their personal belongings, including mobile phones, forcibly taken.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with a large number of individuals gathering outside the campus, attempting to breach the gates. Despite the presence of police, stones were allegedly hurled at students from outside, leading to further injuries. One student reportedly suffered a head injury, while another was attacked with a knife, raising serious concerns about safety and security on the campus.

This incident at SRFTI reflects a broader pattern of confrontations between educational institutions and politically motivated groups in India. As campuses increasingly become battlegrounds for ideological clashes, questions surrounding academic freedom and student safety continue to arise. The student body is now demanding accountability from the institute’s administration for allowing the event to proceed without their consent, calling for a thorough investigation into the violence that transpired.

Source: scroll.in