Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Varun Grover Calls SRFTI Attack Targeted Intimidation
An attack happened at a film and television school called SRFTI.
At least two students went to the hospital, and others were treated for injuries.
The people involved were alleged to be connected to a programme of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat.
Writer and filmmaker Varun Grover said the attack was part of efforts to frighten students and limit independent thinking.
He said other campuses had also faced targeting.
Grover believes women are often targeted, too.
He urged people in the film industry not to stay silent.
He praised students for standing together and resisting.
Varun Grover condemned an attack on students at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) the previous Sunday.
At least two students were hospitalised, while several others received treatment for injuries.
The attackers were alleged to be associated with a programme of the RSS-linked Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat.
Grover said campuses including FTII, JNU, Jamia, Jadavpur and SRFTI were being targeted for promoting free speech and independent thought.
He urged creative professionals to speak out and students to continue resisting; he said student solidarity had inspired others.
- Who
- Students at SRFTI were attacked; Varun Grover spoke publicly about the incident.
- What
- Students were attacked, with at least two hospitalised and several others treated for injuries.
- When
- The attack took place the Sunday before the interview; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata.
- Why
- Grover described the attack as part of an effort to intimidate campuses that encourage free speech and independent thinking; this is his assessment.
- Institute
- Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI)
- Injuries
- At least two students were hospitalised; several others were treated.
- Alleged connection
- The attackers were allegedly part of a programme of the RSS-linked Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat.
- Interviewee
- Varun Grover, a poet, lyricist, writer, stand-up comedian and filmmaker.
- Campuses cited
- FTII, JNU, Jamia, Jadavpur and SRFTI.
- Grover's appeal
- He urged creative professionals to speak out and students to resist.