SRFTI WALLS SCRUBBED CLEAN AS STUDENTS RAISE ALARM OVER CAMPUS SAFETY

October 6, 2026

The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata has removed graffiti from its campus walls that contained messages critical of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), even as students have reportedly raised concerns about their safety following recent tensions on the institute premises.

The removal of the graffiti has added another layer to an increasingly contentious atmosphere at the film institute, where questions surrounding political expression, student security and the freedom to voice dissent have become subjects of debate.

Students have sought greater security measures, expressing apprehension about possible confrontations on campus and calling for an environment in which academic activities can continue without intimidation or disruption.

The incident has also renewed wider discussions about political expression within educational institutions. While authorities are responsible for maintaining campus discipline and removing unauthorised writing, students and political groups have continued to debate where institutional regulation ends and freedom of expression begins.

With tensions surrounding political activity at Bengal's campuses remaining high, the developments at SRFTI have placed renewed attention on the institute's responsibility to protect students while maintaining an environment conducive to artistic and academic freedom.