In late September, SRFTI campus in Kolkata erupted into violence when 250 students stormed the auditorium and later held Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera hostage, prompting police intervention and a temporary halt of classes. The unrest, which began on September 27, escalated on October 4 when a group of students seized Ajmera at the main gate until 11 p.m., and continued with vandalism of his office into October 15. The institute, which serves over 500 students, filed an FIR against unnamed assailants and installed additional security, yet the campus remained tense. Arjun, a third‑year film student, said he felt unsafe and feared his training would be disrupted.
In a video posted earlier this month, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah accused the BJP of targeting SRFTI students, labeling them victims of a “vendetta” and warning that the party might “brainwash or frighten” future filmmakers. Shah claimed that the party’s post‑Bengal‑election stance was “all out for revenge” against dissenters, and he urged students to safeguard their future. The clip, shared on social media, quickly sparked backlash among students and faculty who felt the remarks inflamed an already volatile environment.
SRFTI’s official report, released yesterday, stated that the institute’s new security measures were enacted to protect the dignity and academic future of its students. The report cited the September 27 confrontation and the October 4 hostage‑taking as catalysts for the crackdown, noting that six students were rusticated for one year and classes were suspended until November 13. The institute also criticized Shah for “blatantly lying” and for “inflaming passions” that could jeopardise student safety.
BJP MP and spokesperson Rahul Sinha responded by demanding a full investigation into Shah’s comments, alleging that the actor had joined a “conspiracy involving foreign forces and opposition parties” to undermine democracy. Sinha said the remarks were part of a broader plot that included the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and CPI(M). He called on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take action against the alleged defamation.
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia also weighed in, saying she was “absolutely horrified” that students faced disciplinary action over alleged attacks linked to the RSS. Kapadia urged the institute to reconsider its stance and protect the creative community. Meanwhile, student leaders have called for a transparent inquiry into the campus violence and the role of political rhetoric.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is expected to review SRFTI’s report and Shah’s statements by the end of next week, while the parliamentary committee on cultural affairs is slated to hold a hearing on October 20 to examine the incident’s impact on student safety and free expression.