Actor Naseeruddin Shah Backs SRFTI Student Protests as BJP Demands Probe

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has released a video statement backing protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata, while accusing the ruling BJP of seeking revenge against anyone who questions its policies.

Institute Conflict

The film school, run by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has faced weeks of turmoil following a campus clash on September 27 between students and outsiders attending an Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat event. Protesting students have held a continuous sit-in outside the office of vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera since October 12 to demand his resignation and accountability for the violence.

Punitive Measures

In response to the unrest, the institute rusticated six students on October 15 for alleged vandalism and manhandling of the vice-chancellor, and suspended academic operations across two major departments until November 13 while ordering students to vacate hostels. Institute registrar Deepak Kumar defended the disciplinary actions, stating they stemmed from specific acts of misconduct and physical assault rather than peaceful protest, while students claimed authorities cut power to their remaining access rooms on October 25.

Political Fallout

Mr. Shah alleged that authorities aim to frighten or brainwash upcoming filmmakers, urging citizens to support the student demands. In response, West Bengal BJP leaders criticized the actor, with Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha calling for an investigation into potential international conspiracies behind his statements and MLA Ritesh Tewari questioning his silence on other political controversies.

Context

Educational institutions funded by the central government often experience friction when student activism intersects with national political alignments. Situations of this scale typically draw involvement from ministry officials, state law enforcement, and political figures from multiple parties seeking accountability or intervention.