Overview
- A confrontation between Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat erupted on Sunday, Sept 27, leaving several people reported injured.
- ABGP leaders say they legally booked and paid to use SRFTI’s main auditorium while students say they were not informed and objected to outsiders using a theatre normally reserved for practical classes.
- Both sides accused the other of physical assault, with students alleging knives and verbal abuse and ABGP alleging torn posters and damaged portraits, though many specific claims have not been independently verified.
- Police and SRFTI officials deployed a large contingent and say the situation is under control, but students continue a sit-in at the main gate demanding arrests and the registration of FIRs.
- The clash follows recent campus violence in West Bengal and could increase scrutiny of how central institutions approve outside events and trigger formal investigations and wider student solidarity protests.