KOLKATA, September 30: The West Bengal government has constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the violence that broke out at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata on September 27.
The clashes occurred between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) during an event organised on the institute campus. Several people were injured, while both sides have given differing accounts of how the confrontation began.
Six-Member SIT to Investigate Campus Violence
The SIT has been tasked with carrying out a detailed investigation into the events that led to the clashes.
The team will examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, complaints filed by different parties and available evidence from the campus.
Its preliminary report is expected to be submitted by October 1.
Senior Kolkata Police Officer to Head Investigation
The investigation team will be headed by Kunal Agarwal, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), Kolkata Police.
The SIT also includes senior officers from the Detective Department, Criminal Investigation Department and other units of Kolkata Police.
The team has been authorised to add additional officers or personnel if required during the investigation.
Violence Broke Out on September 27
The confrontation occurred on Sunday afternoon during an event organised by ABGP at the institute’s main auditorium.
Students raised objections regarding the programme and the situation subsequently escalated into a confrontation.
The incident resulted in injuries and created tension across the campus.
Students and ABGP Give Different Accounts
Students have alleged that they were assaulted during the confrontation and claimed that some participants used terms such as “anti-national” and “terrorist” against them.
ABGP representatives have disputed the students’ version of events.
The organisation alleged that banners carrying images of Bharat Mata, Maa Durga and Swami Vivekananda were vandalised and that some of its activists, including women, were assaulted and abused.
The competing allegations are now among the issues being examined by investigators.
Three Cases Under SIT Investigation
The SIT will investigate three cases registered in connection with the September 27 incident.
One case was initiated by police, while the other complaints were filed by the institute and ABGP.
The cases contain allegations relating to assault, wrongful restraint, damage to property and interference with police personnel.
Institute Files Complaint Over Assault Allegations
The institute administration also approached police following the violence.
Its complaint alleged that unidentified individuals wrongfully restrained students and two faculty members, caused injuries, threatened people and behaved inappropriately toward women students.
Investigators will examine these claims alongside the other complaints registered in connection with the incident.
Police Complaint Also Names Unidentified Students
Police have separately alleged that a group of unidentified students obstructed officers who were performing their duties during the unrest.
The complaint includes allegations that personnel were manhandled and that the window of a government vehicle was damaged.
The SIT will examine available evidence to determine responsibility for the different incidents.
Campus Remains Tense After Clashes
The violence has disrupted academic activity at SRFTI.
Students subsequently began an indefinite academic boycott, staying away from classes, workshops and film shoots while demanding stronger action over the incident.
Police personnel have also been deployed around the campus as authorities attempt to prevent further confrontations.
Students Hold Protest Programme
Students organised a protest programme titled “Rise in Rage” as part of their response to the violence.
Activities included performances and demonstrations focusing on campus safety and the events of September 27.
Students have demanded accountability and measures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.
Filmmakers and Artists Express Support
Several filmmakers, artists, alumni and members of academic communities have expressed solidarity with students following the clashes.
They have raised concerns about student safety and called for a transparent investigation into the violence.
The incident has consequently drawn attention beyond the institute and prompted wider discussion around security and outside events on educational campuses.
SIT to Examine Available Evidence
Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage, videos recorded during the incident, witness statements and complaints from the different groups involved.
The SIT will also seek to determine how the confrontation began and identify individuals responsible for any unlawful acts.
Its preliminary findings are expected to provide greater clarity about the sequence of events.
Investigation Continues
The formation of the SIT marks the latest development following three days of tension at the Kolkata film institute.
With conflicting allegations from students, organisers and police, investigators will now be responsible for establishing the sequence of events and determining responsibility based on evidence.
Further action is expected after the SIT submits its preliminary report.
Source – The Indian Express / Kolkata Police / West Bengal Home Department The Indian Express
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