India, Oct. 26 -- The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in West Bengal's Kolkata has defended its decision to rusticate six students for a year, saying the action was taken over allegations of misconduct, including vandalism and physical assault, and not for participating in protests.

The clarification came a day after veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed solidarity with the protesting students and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting those who opposed its views.

Without naming Shah, the institute, which operates under the ministry of information and broadcasting, said the disciplinary proceedings were initiated over specific incidents and that linking them to the students' right to protest misrepre...