SRFTI Shutdown Continues as Students Demand Security Guarantees and Santosh Ajmera’s Resignation

The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata rusticated six students on Thursday over allegations of vandalism, assault and violations of campus discipline, an institute official said on Friday. The action came as an academic shutdown over security entered its 18th day.

A senior official said the students, from departments including cinematography, editing and filmmaking, were accused of damaging Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s office, assaulting him and staff members, and writing objectionable graffiti on campus walls.

The institute said Ajmera was surrounded and verbally abused by students after a meeting on Thursday, with one student allegedly manhandling him. It also alleged that his office was vandalised on Wednesday night, with stones breaking windows, furniture damaged and water and air-conditioning lines cut.

The students’ union disputed the allegations and said the agitation had remained peaceful. Union spokesperson Sudip Chakraborty said five students had received rustication notices unfairly and that they were considering legal action. Students also objected to CCTV cameras being installed, alleging the administration failed to give the union prior notice.

The protest began on September 28 after clashes on campus on September 27 between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The West Bengal government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the September 27 clashes. Three FIRs were registered at Panchasayar police station, covering allegations including assault, threats, wrongful restraint and obstruction of police personnel. Reports had not confirmed the release of the team’s findings by October 16.

The students’ union has demanded Ajmera’s resignation, withdrawal of disciplinary notices, an independent inquiry into campus violence and stronger security arrangements. In a letter dated October 14, it asked SRFTI chairman Suresh Goel and the Union government to intervene. The letter bore signatures of union president Blossom Hazarika and vice-president Shubham Waydande.

Classes remained suspended on Friday, while the union’s indefinite sit-in outside the vice-chancellor’s office continued. The administration and students have maintained opposing accounts of the alleged incidents.