Students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) have alleged that electricity supply to the only classroom available to them for internet connectivity and workstation facilities was disconnected amid their ongoing protest. The institute administration has denied targeting students for participating in the agitation and defended the disciplinary action taken against them, citing allegations of misconduct and damage to campus property.According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, students claimed that the electricity supply to the classroom was cut off on the evening of October 24, restricting their access to facilities they had been using during the protest.A senior institute official rejected the allegation that internet connectivity had been discontinued. The official pointed out that students had livestreamed their activities, including a press conference, from the campus on October 25.The latest allegation comes amid a continuing standoff between students and the administration over campus security, alleged attacks on students, and disciplinary proceedings against protesters.
SRFTI students demand accountability over alleged campus violence
Students have been staging an indefinite sit-in outside Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s office since October 12, demanding his resignation and accountability over alleged attacks on the campus.The protest follows clashes on September 27 during an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, a consumer awareness group affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Several students were reportedly injured in the incident. Students subsequently halted academic activities from September 28.Tensions escalated again on October 4 when members of the Bangiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha staged a protest outside the institute. Students alleged that stones, bricks, and bottles were thrown towards the campus.Following the September 27 incident, the West Bengal government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. Students have demanded an independent investigation and action against those allegedly involved in the violence.The dispute has since expanded beyond campus security concerns, with students and the administration at odds over disciplinary measures and the resumption of academic activities.
SRFTI defends disciplinary action against six students
The institute has defended its disciplinary proceedings, including the rustication of six students over allegations of assaulting the vice-chancellor and staff members, vandalism, and violations of campus discipline.In a statement issued on October 25, SRFTI Registrar Deepak Kumar said the action was initiated over alleged misconduct, vandalism, defacement, and physical assault, and not because students had exercised their right to protest.According to the administration, recommendations for disciplinary action were made by the Dean’s Council, which comprises department heads, the dean, the registrar, and members of the fact-finding committee examining the incidents.The institute cited alleged damage to the vice-chancellor’s office, including broken windowpanes and furniture, as well as damage to water and air-conditioning lines. It also referred to allegations that a student had manhandled the vice-chancellor and that other students had intimidated and abused him.The administration maintained that the disciplinary measures were based on the alleged acts of misconduct and were separate from the students’ right to protest.
Academic activities suspended until November 13
Amid the continuing unrest, SRFTI suspended regular academic activities in its Film and Electronic and Digital Media departments until November 13. On October 16, the institute also directed students to vacate hostels and other premises within 24 hours.The administration said the measures were intended to restore normalcy on the campus and facilitate the orderly resumption of academic activities.A senior institute official said the situation would be assessed by November 13 before further decisions were taken.With students continuing to demand accountability over the alleged campus violence and the administration defending its disciplinary action, the standoff has left the future course of academic activities dependent on developments in the coming weeks.(With inputs from PTI)