Pune: The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune witnessed clashes on Tuesday afternoon as student groups clashed over a banner that bore the message, “Remember Babri, Death of Constitution,” in reference to the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992. The situation escalated when members of a right-wing outfit reportedly set the banner on fire.
According to authorities at the Deccan Gymkhana police station, the incident occurred around 2:00 pm on the FTII campus situated on Pune’s Law College Road. The controversial banner became the focal point of confrontation, leading to a physical altercation between FTII students and individuals affiliated with right-wing groups.
A Deccan Gymkhana police station officer shared details, stating, “A few individuals from different right-wing groups forcibly entered the FTII campus, removed the banner, and set it ablaze while chanting campaign slogans. This sparked a heated confrontation between FTII students and the right-wing members.”
Upon receiving information about the incident, police teams were promptly dispatched, bringing the situation under control. The police have reported that certain individuals involved in the clashes underwent medical examinations, and the results are pending.
The clash highlights the sensitive nature of political and historical sentiments, sparking debates on freedom of expression and the boundaries of public discourse within educational institutions.
