SRFTI Slams Saffron Body's Bid to Storm Campus, Voices Concerns
The SRFTI also informed that it has been maintaining regular communication with students and addressing their concerns.
Kolkata: A day after a right wing group, Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha, tried to storm the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) campus in a bid to trigger fresh unrest there, the premier central academic institution condemned the act, expressed its concerns and reaffirmed its pledge for students' safety.
It stated on Monday, “The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata remains deeply concerned about the incidents that occurred on Sunday (October 4, 2026) and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of its students.
On 4 October 2026, i.e., Sunday, a group of persons from outside the campus gathered near the main gate of the Institute and created disturbances, which disrupted the security environment of the Institute. A formal complaint regarding the incident has been filed with the concerned authorities.”
SRFTI added, “The timely intervention of the police helped disperse the gathering. The Institute unequivocally condemns any act of violence, intimidation or attempt to unlawfully enter the campus. SRFTI is working in coordination with the local authorities and extending full cooperation to ensure that peace and order are maintained in and around the Institute. The Institute is also taking necessary measures to further strengthen security at the campus gates and along the campus perimeter.”
Its newly appointed vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera said, “SRFTI is a national institution dedicated to education in cinema and television. It brings together students from across India, representing diverse regions, languages, cultures and lived experiences. This diversity has been one of the Institute’s greatest strengths and an essential part of its creative identity. The events of the past few days have been deeply concerning. We are ensuring full support to the students who have been injured and are taking every necessary measure to safeguard our students and enable them to continue their academic and creative work.”
The SRFTI also informed that it has been maintaining regular communication with students and addressing their concerns.
It further reiterated that students should be able to attend classes and pursue their academic and creative work without fear. The safety of students, faculty, staff and the protection of the academic character of the Institute will remain central to SRFTI’s response to the present situation.