Three FIRs registered in Kolkata film institute violence
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Violence erupted at Kolkata's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute during a clash between students and an RSS-linked group. Authorities have registered three FIRs as both parties allege misconduct and physical harm.
Tensions Escalate at SRFTI: A Detailed Overview
The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata became the site of a significant confrontation on September 27, 2026, when a protest by students against an event hosted by the Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP)—an organization linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—descended into violence. The clash resulted in injuries to approximately thirty students and two faculty members, marking a volatile intersection of campus politics and ideological advocacy.
The Human Cost and Medical Response
Following the confrontation, the immediate priority was the medical care of those involved. Twenty-five students were transported to Desun Hospital for urgent evaluation. While many were discharged after receiving first aid for their injuries, two students required formal admission, highlighting the severity of the physical altercations that took place within the auditorium premises.
The Legal Fallout and Tripartite FIRs
In the aftermath of the incident, the Kolkata police have moved to formalize the investigation by registering three distinct First Information Reports (FIRs). The first complaint, filed by the Dean of Film at SRFTI, Prof. Sukanta Majumder, alleges that unknown persons committed acts of wrongful restraint and voluntarily caused hurt to students and faculty. This legal action underscores the administration's stance on the breach of campus decorum and the safety of its academic community.
Competing Narratives and Allegations
A second FIR was initiated by Anjan Sinha, the provincial head of the ABGP, representing the perspective of the group holding the event. The existence of these conflicting complaints suggests a deeply polarized environment where both sides claim victimhood. The narratives diverge significantly, with each party accusing the other of instigating the violence and engaging in unlawful behavior during the confrontation.
Law Enforcement and Institutional Challenges
The third FIR, filed by Koushick Bose, an Additional Officer-in-Charge at the Panchasayar police station, introduces a state-level dimension to the conflict. Mr. Bose alleges that a group of unknown students wrongfully restrained on-duty personnel, framing the situation as an obstruction of law enforcement or official duties. This adds a layer of complexity to the incident, as the police now find themselves investigating both the external organization and the students they are sworn to protect.
Broader Implications for Academic Spaces
This incident at SRFTI reflects a growing trend of ideological friction within Indian higher education institutions. When external organizations host events on campus, the potential for discord increases, often testing the limits of institutional autonomy and student activism. The call for accountability from all sides, combined with the police's involvement, suggests that the resolution of this conflict will likely be protracted, necessitating a careful review of campus security protocols and the protocols governing external event permissions.
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