Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap has reacted to the violence reported at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).A clash broke out at the institute on Sunday, September 27. The confrontation involved students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), who had organised a programme on the campus. Several people were reportedly injured, and police were deployed at the institute, as reported by PTI.Anurag Kashyap shared a statement issued by the SRFTI Students’ Union on Instagram. His post also referred to allegations of ‘vote chori’ that have become part of the political debate over elections. The filmmaker wrote, “This is what they stole the votes for in Bengal. This and so much more.” Students alleged that members of ABGP assaulted them after they protested against the event. ABGP members, however, alleged that their programme was disrupted and that members of their organisation were attacked.
Anurag Kashyap reacts to SRFTI clash
Anurag Kashyap’s post followed the circulation of the SRFTI Students’ Union’s account of the incident. The filmmaker did not give a separate account of what happened on campus. Instead, he shared the students’ statement and added his own comment about the political allegations surrounding ‘vote chori’. The ABGP had booked SRFTI’s main auditorium for a programme. According to the organisation, it had paid Rs 15,000 for the venue and obtained permission from the authorities.The event was described by ABGP members as a programme related to consumer awareness and organisational activities. The situation became tense after students objected to the presence of the organisation on campus. As reported by PTI, the SRFTI Students’ Union said students had not been informed about the programme before permission was granted. Students then went to the auditorium and put up posters questioning the decision. According to the students’ account, an argument followed between the two groups. The confrontation later escalated into physical violence.
Students allege attacks on campus
The Students’ Union alleged that students were subjected to physical attacks during the confrontation. Its account mentions punches, kicks, sticks, stones and bricks. Students also claimed that the disturbance spread beyond those who had initially protested against the event. Some reportedly moved towards the library while attempting to get away from the confrontation.The students’ account further alleged that people followed them into the library. The union also claimed that the librarian was assaulted. At a press conference, students alleged that they were called “anti-national”, “urban Naxals” and “terrorists”. Some students also alleged that female students were manhandled. These allegations have been reported but have not been independently established.
ABGP gives a different account
ABGP members have rejected the students’ allegations and offered a different version of the confrontation. According to an ABGP member quoted by Hindustan Times, the organisation had secured permission to use the auditorium. The member alleged that students disrupted the programme and tore down banners and posters. The organisation also claimed that several of its members were injured. One ABGP member said four people from the group had been admitted to hospital. Police were subsequently deployed around the campus as tensions continued. SRFTI officials said the situation was under control, while reports said police were investigating the incident.
Anurag Kashyap’s recent work
Coming to Anurag’s work front, his recent directorial releases include ‘Nishaanchi’ and ‘Bandar’. ‘Nishaanchi’ marked Aishwarya Thackeray’s acting debut. ‘Bandar’ is another recent directorial feature from Anurag Kashyap. Both films received good reviews.
