Police Entry at SRFTI Campus Sparks Protests and Faculty Concern in Kolkata

Police entered the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) campus in Kolkata late on Tuesday night following reports of a student torchlight march and effigy burning, according to a Times of India report published on Wednesday.

In an unprecedented development for the 30-year-old institute, approximately 60 police personnel entered the campus at 11:30 pm. The deployment has triggered a dispute between the institute administration and the students' union, while prompting over 30 faculty members to submit a written appeal requesting the withdrawal of the police.

Administration Stance and Security Concerns

Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera defended the decision to call the police, stating that the protest involved outsiders and posed a risk of major damage to property and lives. He referenced prior incidents of vandalism, intimidation, and physical abuse that led to the rustication of six students. Ajmera argued that the midnight police entry was necessary to safeguard campus safety and institutional interests.

Students' Union Response

The SRFTI Students' Union strongly condemned the police entry, rejecting the administration's characterization of their protest as a threat. The union criticized the move as surveillance and militarization, contrasting it with what they described as administration inaction during previous attacks on students. They maintained that film schools should remain spaces for critical thought and democratic dissent rather than police barracks.

Faculty Intervention and Developments

On Wednesday, faculty members held a day-long meeting with the Vice-Chancellor. Following discussions that included altercations and walkouts, the faculty issued a written appeal to the registrar urging:

• Immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the campus.
• Resolution of the ongoing situation through dialogue.
• Full restoration of all hostel amenities.
• Deferral of SRFTI's representation at external forums, such as IFFI in Goa, until concerns are addressed.

However, the faculty's appeal did not address the students' demand to revoke the rustication of the six students. Differing views also emerged among faculty regarding the methods of protest, with some expressing concern over the safety risks of burning effigies.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Stakeholders and observers can monitor official updates from SRFTI administration and student union statements for further developments.
• Verification of institutional policies and security measures can be pursued through official communication channels of the institute.