Full Breakdown
Hindu Jagran Manch Protest Turns Violent at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
By Drooid · · How we work
Violent Confrontation on October 4
Supporters of the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch (BHJM) gathered outside the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) on Sunday, October 4 and forced open the main gate. Police barricades were breached and stones, bricks and water bottles were hurled into the campus. Several students were struck; Anamika Pal reported a stone hit her face, requiring three stitches. Police also sustained injuries, with at least one officer assaulted in the face. Order was eventually restored and CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify participants.
Background & Context
The clash followed a September 27 incident when members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-linked consumer-rights group, entered the institute for a state-level programme. Students alleged ABGP members assaulted them after questioning the presence of an RSS-affiliated outfit on campus. The September 27 violence sparked an academic boycott that began on September 28 and has continued. BHJM framed its march as retaliation for what they described as disrespect to images of Swami Vivekananda and Bharat Mata displayed by students during the earlier incident.
Data & Statistics
- Injured students: at least five, two requiring hospital treatment.
- Injured police: at least one officer with facial injuries; a police FIR lists six officers, including an assistant sub-inspector.
- Protest size: police estimate 500–600 participants.
- Academic boycott: classes suspended for eight consecutive days since September 28.
Official Statements & Responses
Police said CCTV footage is being examined and a formal complaint has been filed. The institute announced enhanced perimeter security and ongoing communication with students.
Criticism & Opposition
The SRFTI students’ union demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Ajmera and Registrar Deepak Kumar, asserting the administration failed to prevent the October 4 attack despite prior warnings. The union rejected the administration’s October 1 claim that the campus situation was “normal,” arguing students still feel unsafe. It also called for the release of the Special Investigation Team’s report and arrests of those responsible.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Anamika Pal recounted being hit by a stone at 5:30 p.m., bleeding profusely and receiving three stitches after the mob dispersed.
- Aalekh Jyoti described being dragged across the street, having hair pulled and suffering facial swelling after a group of 15–20 assailants “thrashing” him.
- Prithwisha noted that police had erected barricades and warned that entry would be denied, yet the crowd attempted to climb the gate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- ABGP members claim they were attacked by students who damaged programme materials, while SRFTI students allege ABGP members assaulted them on September 27.
- Police FIRs list six injured officers; student accounts mention only a single officer with facial injuries.
- No public identification of individual perpetrators has been released, and the investigation’s timeline remains unspecified.
What’s Next
The students’ union has pledged to continue the academic boycott until security guarantees are provided and arrests are made. A six-member Special Investigation Team, constituted by the West Bengal government, is probing the September 27 and October 4 incidents. Police have filed twin FIRs and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved. The institute says it will maintain regular communication with students and work with authorities to strengthen campus security.