Naseeruddin Shah Slams Govt for Trying to ‘Brainwash’ SRFTI Students
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah slams the government over alleged violence and "brainwashing" of students at SRFTI Kolkata.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has stepped into the fray regarding the ongoing unrest at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. In a strongly worded video posted on Instagram, the actor launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of pursuing a vendetta against students who dare to question authority.
Accusations of Revenge and Surveillance
Shah expressed his concern over the reported sit-in by students who are demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera following allegations of campus violence. The actor claimed that the BJP-led government is targeting those who do not align with its views and policies.
According to Shah, the aspiring filmmakers at SRFTI are the latest victims of this perceived vendetta. He highlighted a series of punitive measures allegedly taken against the students, including:
- Issuance of show-cause notices.
- Placement under surveillance.
- Direct threats.
- Orders to vacate campus hostels.
“This BJP, not content with backing and encouraging shameless propaganda in its favour, is now hoping either to brainwash or frighten the future filmmakers of this country, and I can promise you that is not going to happen,” Shah stated in his video.
The actor urged "right-minded citizens" to stand with the students, emphasizing that these young creators are the ones who will eventually tell the truth about the state of the country.
Shocking Allegations of Campus Violence
The controversy is further intensified by claims made by filmmaker Payal Kapadia, director of 'Let there be light'. Kapadia expressed horror over an incident that allegedly occurred on September 27, claiming that individuals affiliated with the RSS entered the campus.
Kapadia alleged that these individuals brutally assaulted students and groped female students. She criticized the administration for failing to take action against the attackers, while instead threatening students with rustication for questioning the security lapse. She noted that classes have been suspended since the incident and expressed grave concern for the safety of the students.
The Institute's Version of Events
The SRFTI administration has presented a starkly different account of the situation. In a notice dated October 15, the institute condemned an attack on Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
The institute alleged that a student manhandled the Vice Chancellor, while other students surrounded (gheraoed) and abused him. While acknowledging the democratic right to protest, Shri Ajmera described the attack as "cowardly," "intimidating," and "unacceptable."
The Vice Chancellor further claimed that a small group of students has disrupted peace and academic activities, intimidating other students to prevent them from attending classes for over a week, forcing some to return to their homes.