FTII Clash: Students Seek Support Against Ongoing Threats

FTIISA has alleged that the police present at the scene did not intervene, allowing the mob to escape without consequences, despite the students' pleas for accountability

In a shocking turn of events, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) was subjected to an alleged violent clash on January 23, 2024, between two students groups. A section of students has alleged that the incident marks the culmination of a series of troubling events, highlighting a growing concern for the safety of students and a perceived failure of law and order.

According to FTIISA, on January 21, 2024, at 1:00 A.M., a mob of approximately 20 individuals brandishing sticks gathered outside the main gate of FTII, chanting slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram.' Despite the students reporting the incident and urging the authorities, the security measures were not sufficient to prevent a subsequent attack.

A day after Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha, left backed students union at FTII Pune, FTIISA put up ‘Remember Babri, Death of Constitution" posters, they were confronted by right wing student’s union members who set banner on fire and altercation between the two students group took place after that.

FTIISA has alleged that the situation escalated on January 23, 2024, around 1:30 P.M., when a mob of 10-15 agitated individuals returned to the main gate, once again chanting 'Jai Shree Ram' and directing threats and abuses towards the students. The President of FTIISA approached the gate to inquire, only to be violently assaulted, sustaining severe injuries. Security guards were unable to control the situation as the mob stormed inside the campus premises.

“The assailants proceeded towards the Director's office, continuing their slogans and profanities against students. They tore down a banner reading 'Remembering Babri - Death of Constitution,' set it ablaze, and vandalized FTII property near the Director's Office. The General Secretary of the Students Association was also attacked during the chaos, resulting in four students sustaining grievous injuries,” alleged FTIISA.

It has also alleged that the police present at the scene did not intervene, allowing the mob to escape without consequences, despite the students' pleas for accountability. In the aftermath, the injured students were taken to Deccan Police Station, where a hostile mob gathered outside, further threatening and intimidating the students.

It further stated that even 24 hours after the incident, the students' statements have not been officially recorded, raising concerns about the handling of the case. The media's portrayal of the attack as a mere scuffle between student groups has been vehemently rejected by the FTII Students Association, emphasizing the severity of the assault on their fundamental rights.

FTIISA is now reaching out for support from alumni, filmmakers, student organizations, civil society, fellow artists, and concerned citizens to stand with them against this blatant attack on democratic rights and the lives of students.

The incident has sparked a wider debate on the safety of educational institutions and the role of law enforcement in ensuring the well-being of students.