SRFTI Kolkata says disciplinary action against students stems from vandalism and misconduct, not peaceful protests. Academic suspension continues till November 13.
Kolkata: The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, has clarified that disciplinary proceedings initiated against certain students were prompted by specific incidents of misconduct, vandalism, defacement and physical assault, and not by their participation in peaceful protests. The institute maintained that attempts to portray the disciplinary measures as action against students exercising their democratic right to protest were misleading and did not reflect the actual circumstances behind the proceedings.
In an official statement issued on October 25, SRFTI said that the rustication orders and show-cause notices served on certain students were based on violations of institutional bye-laws and established standards of student conduct. The institute emphasised that the recommendations for disciplinary action had been made by the Dean’s Council, comprising Heads of Departments, the Dean, the Registrar and members of a Fact-Finding Committee constituted to investigate the incidents.
According to the institute, the disciplinary proceedings followed a series of incidents involving the occupation and alleged vandalisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Referring to its earlier press release dated October 15, SRFTI stated that the office had suffered extensive damage, including shattered windowpanes, broken glass and damaged furniture. The institute also alleged that water supply and air-conditioning lines had been deliberately cut. It claimed that photographic evidence was available to substantiate the damage.
The institute further referred to an alleged incident in which a student physically manhandled the Vice-Chancellor, while others reportedly surrounded him, issued threats and subjected him to verbal abuse. SRFTI maintained that such behaviour could not be considered part of legitimate democratic dissent and constituted serious violations of institutional discipline. It asserted that all disciplinary proceedings had been initiated in accordance with applicable regulations and prescribed procedures.
Meanwhile, academic activities in the Film and Electronic & Digital Media wings have been suspended until November 13, 2026. Students were also directed to vacate the campus, including hostel accommodation, within the stipulated period. According to SRFTI, the decision was intended to restore normalcy and facilitate the orderly functioning of the institution. However, the administration alleged that some students had continued to occupy the premises despite instructions to vacate.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic expression, SRFTI stated that students were entitled to express opinions, raise grievances and participate in peaceful demonstrations. The institute, however, maintained that the right to protest did not provide immunity from disciplinary consequences arising from vandalism, physical misconduct or violations of institutional regulations.
The administration also pointed out that the ongoing agitation involved only a section of the student community and should not be interpreted as representing the views of the entire student body. It expressed concern that the actions of a limited number of students could disrupt the academic aspirations of others seeking to continue their education and adversely affect the reputation of the institution.
Highlighting its broader educational commitments, SRFTI referred to its initiatives beyond the Kolkata campus. The institute has partnered with the Government of Tripura to establish and support the Tripura Film and Television Institute in Agartala, providing professional training opportunities in screen acting and film and video editing.
SRFTI also highlighted its recent collaboration with the Indian Army’s Spear Corps in Nagaland, where a two-week Media Internship Programme was conducted in Dimapur. The initiative aimed to equip young participants with practical skills in audiovisual production, digital storytelling and responsible communication.
Through these initiatives, the institute said, it continued to expand access to professional film and media education while contributing to cultural and educational development across different regions of the country.
In its statement, signed by Registrar Deepak Kumar, SRFTI appealed to students, parents, faculty members, staff and the general public not to rely on unverified accounts of the ongoing developments. The institute urged stakeholders to examine the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary proceedings objectively.
Reiterating its commitment to institutional accountability, democratic expression and the safety and dignity of its community, SRFTI maintained that the disciplinary measures were linked exclusively to specific incidents and breaches of institutional regulations. The administration said it would continue working towards restoring a safe, orderly and academically conducive environment on campus.
Kolkata: The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, has clarified that disciplinary proceedings initiated against certain students were prompted by specific incidents of misconduct, vandalism, defacement and physical assault, and not by their participation in peaceful protests. The institute maintained that attempts to portray the disciplinary measures as action against students exercising their democratic right to protest were misleading and did not reflect the actual circumstances behind the proceedings.
In an official statement issued on October 25, SRFTI said that the rustication orders and show-cause notices served on certain students were based on violations of institutional bye-laws and established standards of student conduct. The institute emphasised that the recommendations for disciplinary action had been made by the Dean’s Council, comprising Heads of Departments, the Dean, the Registrar and members of a Fact-Finding Committee constituted to investigate the incidents.
According to the institute, the disciplinary proceedings followed a series of incidents involving the occupation and alleged vandalisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Referring to its earlier press release dated October 15, SRFTI stated that the office had suffered extensive damage, including shattered windowpanes, broken glass and damaged furniture. The institute also alleged that water supply and air-conditioning lines had been deliberately cut. It claimed that photographic evidence was available to substantiate the damage.
The institute further referred to an alleged incident in which a student physically manhandled the Vice-Chancellor, while others reportedly surrounded him, issued threats and subjected him to verbal abuse. SRFTI maintained that such behaviour could not be considered part of legitimate democratic dissent and constituted serious violations of institutional discipline. It asserted that all disciplinary proceedings had been initiated in accordance with applicable regulations and prescribed procedures.
Meanwhile, academic activities in the Film and Electronic & Digital Media wings have been suspended until November 13, 2026. Students were also directed to vacate the campus, including hostel accommodation, within the stipulated period. According to SRFTI, the decision was intended to restore normalcy and facilitate the orderly functioning of the institution. However, the administration alleged that some students had continued to occupy the premises despite instructions to vacate.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic expression, SRFTI stated that students were entitled to express opinions, raise grievances and participate in peaceful demonstrations. The institute, however, maintained that the right to protest did not provide immunity from disciplinary consequences arising from vandalism, physical misconduct or violations of institutional regulations.
The administration also pointed out that the ongoing agitation involved only a section of the student community and should not be interpreted as representing the views of the entire student body. It expressed concern that the actions of a limited number of students could disrupt the academic aspirations of others seeking to continue their education and adversely affect the reputation of the institution.
Highlighting its broader educational commitments, SRFTI referred to its initiatives beyond the Kolkata campus. The institute has partnered with the Government of Tripura to establish and support the Tripura Film and Television Institute in Agartala, providing professional training opportunities in screen acting and film and video editing.
SRFTI also highlighted its recent collaboration with the Indian Army’s Spear Corps in Nagaland, where a two-week Media Internship Programme was conducted in Dimapur. The initiative aimed to equip young participants with practical skills in audiovisual production, digital storytelling and responsible communication.
Through these initiatives, the institute said, it continued to expand access to professional film and media education while contributing to cultural and educational development across different regions of the country.
In its statement, signed by Registrar Deepak Kumar, SRFTI appealed to students, parents, faculty members, staff and the general public not to rely on unverified accounts of the ongoing developments. The institute urged stakeholders to examine the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary proceedings objectively.
Reiterating its commitment to institutional accountability, democratic expression and the safety and dignity of its community, SRFTI maintained that the disciplinary measures were linked exclusively to specific incidents and breaches of institutional regulations. The administration said it would continue working towards restoring a safe, orderly and academically conducive environment on campus.
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