Naseeruddin Shah backs SRFTI protesters, accuses BJP of intimidation

Actor Naseeruddin Shah has publicly backed students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata, accusing the BJP of trying to intimidate young filmmakers. His claims about political retaliation and pressure on students were made in a video message and have not been independently established in the accounts of the campus dispute. The students are demanding accountability over campus violence and the resignation of institute Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera. They have been staging a sit-in outside his office since October 12, according to one report. Shah urged people to support their demands, saying students seeking answers from the administration had faced show-cause notices, surveillance, threats and instructions to leave hostels. Those allegations were part of his statement. The institute has separately described incidents affecting campus security. In a statement dated October 4, SRFTI said outsiders gathered near its main gate and caused disturbances, and that it filed a complaint with authorities. The institute has said it was cooperating with authorities and taking steps to strengthen security. SRFTI also alleged in a notice dated October 15...