A deep administrative deadlock continues to grip the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), with protesting students maintaining a firm stance on their key demands. The standoff centers around calls for the immediate resignation of Director (and Vice-Chancellor) Santosh Ajmera, the withdrawal of expulsion orders against six students, and accountability regarding recent campus clashes.

Tensions on campus have remained high following incidents of unrest reported on September 27 and further allegations of an attack on October 4. In a show of continued resolve, students carried out a late-night protest march through the campus on Wednesday—the day of Dashami—reiterating that their agitation will not cease until the administration resolves the core issues.

The rift between the administration and the student body widened significantly after the institute authorities expelled six students for two consecutive semesters. According to SRFTI management, the disciplinary action was taken in response to allegations that students harassed Director Santosh Ajmera and attempted to vandalize his office, including breaking windowpanes and disrupting utilities.

However, the Students’ Union has vehemently rejected these claims, labeling the allegations fabricated. Protesters maintain that their demonstrations have remained peaceful and accuse the administration of taking punitive steps without conducting a fair hearing.

Suspension of classes and hostel closure

Although classes were scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 21, following the Durga Puja holidays, the authorities decided to suspend all academic activities across the Film and Electronic & Digital Media (EDM) wings until November 13 due to the prevailing instability.

Adding to the friction, the administration previously issued a notice directing students to vacate the campus hostels within 24 hours. Officials have also dispatched emails to the parents of enrolled students, apprising them of the turmoil on campus and requesting their cooperation in restoring order.

Housing crisis and community kitchen initiative

Many students have openly defied the vacate order, refusing to leave the premises. The shutdown of hostel and mess facilities has created severe hardship for residents, particularly those who have traveled from distant states or come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Protesters point out that finding external accommodation and bearing daily food expenses off-campus poses an unsustainable financial burden.

In response to the closure of dining services, the protesting students took matters into their own hands by setting up a community kitchen on campus. Managing to gather supplies to cook and eat together, the initiative provided temporary relief; nevertheless, student representatives emphasized that such makeshift arrangements do not resolve the underlying systemic crisis.

Differing positions on investigation and resolution

The key demands of the student body remain unchanged:

• Resignation of Vice-Chancellor/Director Santosh Ajmera.

• Immediate revocation of the two-semester expulsion orders issued against the six students.

• Reopening of campus hostels and mess services.

• Identification and disciplinary action against those responsible for the violence on September 27 and October 4.

Speaking on behalf of the agitators, student representative Sudip Chakraborty stated, “Our demands remain the same. These issues must be resolved promptly.”

Conversely, institute authorities contend that a separate internal probe is unnecessary.

Management points out that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by Nabanna (the state secretariat) has already conducted a thorough inquiry into the incidents and submitted its report.

With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, academic activities remain suspended, leaving the future of the institute’s current term uncertain.

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