Archive · 10 Oct 2026
SRFTI Students Seek Ministers’ Help Over Alleged Campus Attacks
Students at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute say they have faced repeated attacks on campus.
They say the attacks happened on September 27 and October 4, and they want better protection.
The students have stopped attending theory classes since September 28.
They asked institute leaders Suresh Gopi and Ashwini Vaishnaw to help.
They also want temporary places to stay and a lasting hostel plan.
Students say a shuttle service was stopped and they are worried about paying for medical care.
The vice-chancellor said he would meet representatives if they formally requested a meeting.
The students say they may stop academic activity indefinitely if their demands are not met.
Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute students asked institute president Suresh Gopi and chancellor Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene over safety concerns.
Students say they were attacked on September 27 and October 4 by supporters of groups they identify as the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat and Hindu Jagran Manch.
The students have boycotted theoretical classes since September 28 and say they may begin an indefinite academic halt unless their demands are met.
Students want safety assurances, temporary and permanent accommodation solutions, and withdrawal of show-cause notices; they also raised concerns about a discontinued shuttle service and medical costs.
Vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera said he was willing to meet student representatives but had not received a formal meeting request; the administration has called for classes to resume.
- Who
- Students of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, institute president Suresh Gopi, chancellor Ashwini Vaishnaw, and vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
- What
- Students are seeking intervention over alleged attacks and safety concerns, while boycotting theoretical classes and threatening an indefinite academic halt.
- When
- The class boycott began September 28, after an alleged attack the previous day; students also allege an attack on October 4. A Friday statement announced the possible indefinite halt.
- Where
- Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute campus.
- Why
- Students say they need protection and accountability after alleged attacks, and cite concerns about communication, accommodation, transport, medical expenses, and disciplinary notices.
Students’ concerns
Institute administration
Safety and return to classes
Students’ concerns
Students say safety concerns remain unresolved and that they are being pressured to resume classes without a meeting about student safety.
Institute administration
The administration has called for classes to resume and indicated that disciplinary action could follow.
Meeting with the vice-chancellor
Students’ concerns
Students say communication with the vice-chancellor has failed and that a scheduled Thursday meeting did not take place.
Institute administration
Vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera said he would meet student representatives but had not received a formal request.
Show-cause notices
Students’ concerns
Students want the notices withdrawn, calling for action against them to stop.
Institute administration
Several students were served notices over alleged assault of a security officer who had asked them to leave the vice-chancellor’s office.
- Institute
- Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI)
- Class boycott began
- September 28
- Alleged attack dates
- September 27 and October 4
- Students’ requested intervention
- Institute president Suresh Gopi and chancellor Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Vice-chancellor
- Santosh Ajmera
- Key student demands
- Safety assurances, accommodation solutions, and withdrawal of show-cause notices
- Potential next step
- An indefinite academic halt if demands are not met