SRFTI students allege power cut amid protest; institute defends disciplinary action

KOLKATA: SRFTI students on Sunday claimed that power supply to the only classroom they had been accessing for internet connectivity and workstation facilities was cut off, accusing the administration of intensifying measures to pressure them into calling off their agitation.

A senior Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) official, however, accused the protesting students of lying, asserting that the internet connection had not been snapped and that they had been livestreaming their activities, including a press conference, from the campus during the day.

The allegation comes amid an ongoing standoff between students and the institute authorities over campus security, accountability for a series of violent incidents and disciplinary action against protesters for allegedly failing to comply with directives.

The students alleged that "the electricity supply to the classroom had been disconnected from Saturday evening", depriving them of access to the space they had been "using for internet connectivity and workstation facilities".

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SRFTI students accuse admin of restricting washroom access

The students earlier accused the administration of repeatedly restricting access to basic facilities like using washroom and said the development further compounded the problems faced by them during the protest.

The students have been staging an indefinite sit-in outside Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera's office since October 12, demanding his resignation and accountability for the alleged attacks on the campus.

The agitation began in the wake of clashes on September 27 during an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), a consumer awareness group affiliated with the RSS, which left several students injured, and the academic halt by students started the next day.

Tension escalated again on October 4 when members of the Bangiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha staged a protest outside the institute to protest the September 27 incident, with students alleging that stones, bricks and bottles were thrown towards the campus.

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WB govt forms SIT

The West Bengal government subsequently formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the September 27 incident. Students have maintained that the administration failed to ensure their safety and sought an independent investigation into the incidents, besides action against those allegedly involved in the violence.

On October 16, the institute suspended regular academic activities in its Film and Electronic and Digital Media departments until November 13 and directed students to vacate their hostels and other premises within 24 hours.

The administration has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against students, with six students rusticated over allegations including assault on the vice-chancellor and staff members and violations of campus discipline.

The official claimed that "some of the students are being instigated by anti-establishment political elements who don't want normalcy to return and are in contact with student bodies of institutions like JU to further their political interests." "We will assess the situation by November 13 and take whatever decision is needed," he added to a question.

In a statement on Sunday evening, the institute clarified that disciplinary action against certain students was initiated over alleged misconduct, vandalism, defacement and physical assault, and not for exercising their right to protest.

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SRFTI issues rustication orders against students

SRFTI registrar Deepak Kumar said, "The institute categorically clarifies that the disciplinary actions initiated against certain students are related to specific acts of misconduct, vandalism, defacement and physical assault."

"Any attempt to link these actions to students' legitimate exercise of their right to protest misrepresents both the facts and the specific grounds on which proceedings were started," he said.

Kumar said the rustication orders and show-cause notices were issued in response to alleged violations of the institute's by-laws and standards of student conduct. "Recommendations for disciplinary action were made by the Dean's Council, comprising the Heads of Departments, the Dean, the Registrar, and members of the Fact-Finding Committee constituted to examine the incidents," the statement said.

The incidents under review included the alleged occupation and vandalism of the vice-chancellor's office, for which the institute claimed to have photographic evidence.

As detailed in the institute's press release dated October 15, the office sustained significant damage, including shattered windowpanes, broken glass and damaged furniture, while water and air-conditioning lines were allegedly cut deliberately, the statement said.

The release also referred to an incident in which a student allegedly "manhandled the Vice-Chancellor", while others allegedly gheraoed, intimidated and abused him.

"Such acts go far beyond peaceful dissent and constitute serious breaches of institutional discipline. Proceedings were initiated strictly in accordance with the Institute's applicable by-laws and prescribed procedures," the statement said.

Separately, academic activities in the Film and Electronic and Digital Media wings were suspended until November 13, and students were directed to vacate the institute premises, including hostels, within the stipulated period, it said.

"Despite the clear direction to vacate, some students have continued to occupy the premises illegally," the statement alleged. The institute maintained that it upheld students' right to express their views, raise grievances and engage in peaceful protests.