Kolkata: SRFTI Calls Student Safety Allegations False and Misleading
Kolkata, October 31: The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) has strongly refuted claims that it neglected student safety concerns, describing the accusations as entirely false and misleading. A statement issued by the institute's Registrar said the administration has taken continuous steps to safeguard students and resolve their grievances.
The Registrar's statement said that the September 27 programme had been approved before the current Vice-Chancellor took charge. Following the incident, the Vice-Chancellor reached the campus and promptly initiated talks with students and the officials concerned.
The Vice-Chancellor personally held two meetings with student representatives, the Dean of the Film Department and senior Kolkata Police officers. The first meeting was conducted at the police office and the second at the institute campus, where student safety issues were discussed in detail. Students also had direct interactions with cyber cell officers to understand their cyber security complaints and learn about the redressal process.
The institute said local police had advised students to show restraint and avoid activities that could increase tension. Nevertheless, between September 27 and October 4, certain student groups conducted solidarity marches and gatherings inside and outside the campus without permission from the institute. Political speakers appeared at these events, and political slogans were raised.
Management said that after these developments, it kept coordinating closely with the police administration and reinforced security measures on and around the campus. Injured students received medical treatment, and students under emotional strain were offered psychological assistance through professional organisations.
The institute also said FIRs have been registered with the local police regarding the incidents of September 27 and October 4, and that the police are acting in line with the law.
According to the Registrar, disciplinary action has been initiated under institutional rules for acts of vandalism, provocative graffiti, and unauthorised occupation of various spaces. On the recommendation of the Dean's Council, six students have been expelled on charges of alleged indiscipline, including threatening officials, misbehaving, and intimidating people. The institute further claims that one student also physically misbehaved with the Vice-Chancellor.
The statement added that police assistance was sought after several incidents in the campus and residential areas. These included an unauthorised torch march held on October 27, along with reports of vandalism, threats, and attempts to intimidate officials. The institute said such activities pose serious risks to students, employees, local residents, and institutional property.
The institute reiterated its support for dialogue to address genuine student concerns, but stressed that institutional discipline and mutual responsibility must also be upheld. It said violence, threats, damage to public property, and obstruction of academic activities cannot be justified in any circumstances.
In his statement, the Vice-Chancellor said faculty members are continuously engaging with students to understand their real grievances and concerns. He expressed the hope that dialogue and mutual understanding would help find a swift resolution and allow academic activities to resume normally.