Kolkata, Oct. 25 -- An 18-page internal committee report of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) has detailed alleged vandalism, unauthorised occupation of offices and physical assault on its vice-chancellor (V-C) during campus unrest between September 27 and October 23. The institute has also defended its decision to rusticate six students for one year, saying the action was based on specific acts of misconduct and not participation in peaceful protests.

According to the report, around 250 students gheraoed the vice-chancellor for five hours on October 4. On October 6, 50-60 students allegedly occupied his office for nearly two days, disrupting administrative work. The report also alleges damage to the Prime Minister's portrait, repeated objectionable graffiti, damage to office furniture and window panes, and an incident on October 16 in which a student allegedly pushed and kicked the vice-chancellor. On October 23, students allegedly broke into the newly-constructed Classroom Theatre and used equipment without authorisation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SRFTI said water and air-conditioning lines in the V-C's office were deliberately cut. The Dean's Council recommended disciplinary action following a fact-finding inquiry, it said. Academic activities in the Film and Electronic & Digital Media wings have been suspended until November 13, and students have been directed to vacate the campus, including hostels. The institute claimed that some students continued to occupy the premises despite the directive.

SRFTI maintained that it upheld students' right to express their views and engage in peaceful protests but said these rights did not exempt anyone from accountability for vandalism or physical misconduct. It added that the agitation involved only a section of students and should not be seen as representing the entire student community.

Meanwhile, the SRFTI Students' Union has called for a nationwide campus protest on October 27 against the alleged saffronisation of education and suppression

of dissent.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.