Chaos at SRFTI Kolkata: ABGP Alleges Assault and Vandalism
Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat seeks FIR after alleging vandalism, assault on elderly members, and harassment during an event at SRFTI Kolkata.
The Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) Paschim Banga Prant has moved to file an FIR following a highly contentious incident at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. The organization alleges that its scheduled program was violently disrupted, leading to the vandalism of religious symbols and physical assaults on its members.
Allegations of Forced Entry and Vandalism
According to the formal complaint, the ABGP had officially booked a hall at the institute, paying ₹32,700 for the venue along with additional costs for lunch. The event, which was attended by approximately 250 members, was set to begin around 1:30 pm after lunch.
However, the peace was short-lived. The complainant stated that within just 10 minutes of the program starting, a group of 30 to 40 individuals carrying SRFTI Student Union banners—including one with the slogan "Resist Hindutva Fascism"—forcibly entered the hall. The group allegedly began shouting anti-religious slogans and creating a ruckus.
The complaint details a scene of significant destruction, alleging that the intruders:
- Kicked out and vandalized photographs of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda.
- Threw away several mementoes and idols of Maa Durga.
- Vandalized, smashed with feet, and spat upon the ABGP banner.
Members Trapped and Assaulted
The situation escalated when ABGP members attempted to remove the intruders. The organization claims they discovered the main entry and exit doors had been closed from the outside, effectively trapping them. Upon checking the emergency exit, they allegedly encountered a mob of nearly 100 people, including some elderly individuals, who appeared intent on attacking them.
The ABGP alleges that the mob proceeded to assault their members and forcibly disrupt the lawful proceedings. Most distressingly, the complaint claims that female members and elderly participants were subjected to physical harassment and misbehavior. Some members were reportedly forcibly removed from the SRFTI premises entirely.
Allegations of Captivity and Injuries
The ordeal did not end with the disruption of the hall. The organization has alleged that several members, including women and senior citizens, were trapped in vehicles in the parking area—including a bus—from approximately 2:15 pm until 7:30 pm. During this period, they were allegedly denied access to drinking water and toilet facilities.
The ABGP stated that many of its members sustained injuries during the chaos and are currently undergoing medical treatment. The complaint further alleges that members were threatened with death and experienced extreme panic and suffocation while being held. The organization maintains that it possesses video and photographic evidence to substantiate these claims and identify those involved.