Clash at Kolkata’s SRFTI over RSS-linked outfit’s event, several students injured
Source Entity
Tanusree Bose
Tensions escalated at Kolkata’s SRFTI after a clash between students and an RSS-linked group, the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, over a campus event. Both sides have reported injuries and accused the other of instigating violence, leading to a heavy police deployment.
Tensions Erupt at SRFTI Over Campus Event
A significant confrontation took place on Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, resulting in multiple injuries among students and participants. The incident began when students raised objections to an event being held by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), within the institute's main theatre.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
The narrative surrounding the clash is sharply divided. The SRFTI students’ union has alleged that they were physically assaulted, subjected to verbal abuse, and labeled with terms such as "anti-nationals" and "urban naxals" when they attempted to challenge the presence of the group. Conversely, the ABGP (West Bengal Chapter) has countered these claims, asserting that their event was held with official permission. They allege that their promotional materials, including posters and banners, were systematically destroyed and that their members were physically attacked by those opposing the event.
Escalation and Security Response
The situation deteriorated rapidly, necessitating a significant intervention by law enforcement. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed to the campus as the environment grew volatile, with students locking the main gate to prevent further entry or confrontation. Reports indicate that the scuffle involved physical altercations, including punching and kicking, affecting both students and staff members present during the incident.
The Broader Context of Campus Conflicts
This incident at SRFTI reflects a recurring pattern in Indian academic institutions where ideological disputes often manifest as physical confrontations. The tension highlights the ongoing friction between student bodies and organizations with external political affiliations. For an institution dedicated to the arts and cinema like SRFTI, such events raise broader questions regarding the permissible boundaries of campus political discourse and the management of external event approvals.
Institutional and Legal Implications
The aftermath of the clash has left the campus in a state of unrest, with both sides seeking accountability. As police investigations proceed to determine the sequence of events and the validity of the permissions granted to the ABGP, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of campus peace when polarizing issues collide. Moving forward, the administration will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their policies on hosting external events and their ability to ensure the safety of the student body during such potentially divisive activities.