Tensions at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) have escalated further, with the administration initiating disciplinary proceedings against several protesting students over allegations of vandalism, physical harassment and violations of institutional regulations.

Meanwhile, the agitating students are preparing to expand their movement into a nationwide protest from October 27, seeking support from universities and educational institutions across the country.

SRFTI Director Santosh Ajmera has submitted a report on the prevailing situation to higher authorities. In a press release issued on Sunday evening, the institute defended its decision to initiate expulsion proceedings and issue show-cause notices, maintaining that the measures were prompted by alleged misconduct rather than the students’ participation in peaceful demonstrations.

The institute asserted that it recognises students’ democratic right to express grievances, voice opinions and organise peaceful protests. However, it maintained that vandalism, physical harassment and violations of institutional rules cannot be justified in the name of democratic rights.

According to the administration, protesting students allegedly occupied the Director’s office, damaged windowpanes and furniture, and deliberately disconnected the water supply and air-conditioning systems.

The authorities further alleged that one student physically harassed the Director, while others subjected him to verbal abuse and intimidation.

The institute stated that disciplinary proceedings were initiated following recommendations from the Dean’s Council and findings of a fact-finding committee constituted to examine the allegations.

The Dean’s Council comprises departmental heads, Deans, the Registrar and members of the fact-finding committee.

Students allege disruption of electricity and internet services

Meanwhile, protesting students have accused the administration of attempting to disrupt their agitation by cutting off essential services.

They alleged that electricity to the only classroom being used as their workstation, which also provided internet connectivity, was disconnected on Saturday evening.

A senior SRFTI official, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that neither electricity nor internet services had been disconnected anywhere on campus.

The official questioned the students’ claims, pointing out that protesters continued to livestream their activities and press conferences.

There have also been allegations that drinking water services were previously disrupted on campus, although the administration has disputed claims of deliberate interference with essential facilities.

Campus evacuation order deepens standoff

The confrontation intensified after the authorities issued an order directing students to vacate the campus on the evening of Shasthi, the sixth day of Durga Puja.

The administration subsequently extended the Puja holidays until November 13 and ordered the closure of hostel and mess facilities.

Despite the directive, several protesting students have refused to leave the campus and continue their sit-in demonstration.

The administration has alleged that students accused of harassing the institute’s head remain on campus despite expulsion orders. It has also claimed that a substantial section of the student community is not participating in the agitation.

The protesters, however, maintain that the movement enjoys the support of a majority of students.

Naseeruddin Shah extends support to agitating students

The students’ movement received support from veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who released a video message on Saturday expressing solidarity with the protesters.

Shah urged others to stand beside the students and support their struggle for democratic rights and freedom of expression.

Responding to the involvement of prominent personalities, SRFTI authorities said they respected everyone’s right to express an opinion but urged supporters to consider all aspects of the dispute before drawing conclusions.

In a significant development, the protesters have announced plans to launch a broader, nationwide student movement beginning October 27.

The proposed agitation will centre on a 10-point charter of demands addressing academic freedom, democratic rights, campus security, freedom of expression and the restoration of student union elections.

The protesters have appealed to students from universities, colleges and other educational institutions across India to participate.

On Sunday, students from several institutions, including Jadavpur University and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), expressed solidarity with the SRFTI movement.

According to the organisers, efforts are underway to establish coordination with students from Aliah University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia and IIT Bombay, among other institutions.

The protesting students insist that the agitation is no longer confined to an administrative dispute within SRFTI but represents broader concerns over democratic participation and institutional autonomy in higher education.

September 27 campus confrontation triggered unrest

The present confrontation traces its origins to an incident at the SRFTI Kolkata campus on September 27, when tensions reportedly erupted over an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP).

A section of students alleged that outsiders assaulted them during the confrontation. The ABGP subsequently made counter-allegations regarding the incident.

Further allegations of an attack on campus emerged on October 4, deepening tensions between students and the administration.

Demanding accountability for the alleged attacks and the resignation of the institute’s head, students intensified their agitation.

The protesters have questioned why disciplinary proceedings are being pursued against agitating students while, according to them, adequate action has not been taken against those allegedly responsible for the attacks.

Proposed AI surveillance and RFID cards spark fresh concerns

Another contentious issue emerging from the protests is the proposed expansion of surveillance infrastructure on educational campuses.

A section of students has expressed reservations about installing additional CCTV cameras, introducing AI-based facial recognition systems and implementing RFID-enabled identification cards.

Referring to the existing CCTV infrastructure at Jadavpur University, students questioned why surveillance arrangements had allegedly failed to prevent attacks by outsiders.

They argued that increasing technological monitoring without addressing existing security lapses could result in greater scrutiny of students rather than improved protection against external threats.

The protesters have sought clarity on the measures being taken to prevent unauthorised entry and violence on campus, while warning against surveillance practices that could potentially restrict student movements and democratic activities.

Standoff continues as protesters seek wider solidarity

With disciplinary proceedings underway, students refusing to vacate the campus and the administration standing firm on its position, there is little indication of an immediate resolution to the SRFTI impasse.

The proposed nationwide mobilisation on October 27 could mark a new phase in the agitation, particularly if students from other major educational institutions join the movement.

While the administration maintains that disciplinary action is necessary to uphold institutional order, protesters contend that the measures are aimed at discouraging dissent and weakening democratic participation.

As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the controversy has developed into a wider debate over academic freedom, campus security, institutional accountability and the democratic rights of students.

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