SRFTI students allege power cut amid ongoing protest; institute denies claim

Kolkata: Students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) on Sunday alleged that the power supply to the only classroom they had been using for internet connectivity and workstation facilities was cut off, accusing the administration of intensifying pressure on them to end their ongoing protest.

A senior institute official, however, rejected the allegation, accusing the protesting students of lying and claiming that the internet connection had not been disconnected. The official said students had livestreamed their activities, including a press conference, from the campus during the day.

The dispute comes amid an ongoing standoff between students and the institute administration over campus security, accountability for a series of violent incidents and disciplinary action against protesters.

The students alleged that electricity to the classroom had been disconnected on Saturday evening, denying them access to the space they had been using for internet connectivity and workstation facilities. They had earlier accused the administration of repeatedly restricting access to basic facilities, including washrooms.

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 alleged attacks on the campus.

The agitation began following clashes on September 27 during an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), a consumer awareness group affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Several students were injured in the incident, prompting students to suspend academic activities from the following day.

Tensions escalated again on October 4 when members of the Bangiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha staged a protest outside the institute over the September 27 incident. Students alleged that stones, bricks and bottles were thrown towards the campus.

The West Bengal government subsequently formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the September 27 violence.

The protesting students have maintained that the administration failed to ensure their safety. They have demanded an independent investigation into the incidents and 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. It also directed students to vacate their hostels and other premises within 24 hours.

The administration has initiated disciplinary proceedings against students, with six students rusticated over allegations that include assaulting the vice-chancellor and staff members, as well as violating campus discipline.

The senior official alleged that some students were being instigated by political elements opposed to the administration and were in contact with student organisations at institutions such as Jadavpur University (JU).

"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," the official said.

Asked about the next steps, the official said the administration would assess the situation by November 13 and take the necessary decisions.

PTI