The All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating crisis at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, describing the campus as being under a "siege-like situation" for over 40 days. In a statement released today, the alliance demanded the immediate removal of the Vice-Chancellor, the rollback of academic closure orders, and a fair, independent inquiry into the violence that erupted on campus in late September.
The crisis traces back to September 27, when an event organized by the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) was held in the institute’s Main Theatre without prior consultation with the student body—a break from established campus convention. According to the ALIFA statement, when students protested the move, they were "chased and beaten up by outsiders."
The alliance highlighted that the attacks included "targeted harassment of female and transgender students, who were sexually harassed and verbally abused, including being given rape threats." The statement further noted that a "rowdy mob had pelted stones on campus," attacked an ambulance, and left two students requiring "extensive plastic surgery, as a result of this mindless violence."
Since the September incident, ALIFA alleges that the administration, headed by Vice-Chancellor Mr. Santosh Ajmera, has taken a series of "draconian" steps. These include:
- The rustication of six students for a year on October 15 on "trumped-up charges" via identical, cyclostyled orders.
- The unilateral installation of CCTV cameras on October 15, violating a 2024 pact that mandated student consultation prior to installation.
- The suspension of two contractual faculty members and six resource persons on November 5 merely for "standing with their students."
- Extending academic closure until December 11, 2026.
Describing the current atmosphere, ALIFA stated, "For 40 days now, the SRFTI campus has been under a siege-like situation, with increasing police presence, and academic activity suspended... The circumstances have placed students under immense stress, with women and transgender students at the receiving end of sexual harassment and trauma."
The alliance also raised serious security concerns regarding the Vice-Chancellor hiring "personal bouncers" who have been seen approaching hostel premises, which are supposed to be out-of-bounds for outsiders. Furthermore, students protesting peacefully have reportedly been "constantly monitored and photographed" by police, with barricades set up around the campus.
In response to the escalating repression, ALIFA has outlined a 10-point charter of demands, which includes:
1. A fair and independent inquiry into the violence on September 27, 2026.
2. Prosecution of the attackers, including those who sexually harassed women and transgender students and pelted stones.
3. A fair and independent inquiry into the alleged violence on the VC on October 14 (an incident campus security reportedly denied to police).
4. Immediate recall of rustication orders for students and withdrawal of suspensions for faculty and resource persons.
5. Complete recall of orders enforcing academic closure until December 11.
6. A review of CCTV camera placement and student concerns regarding the Chief Security Officer’s past misconduct.
7. Immediate removal of the VC’s personal bouncers from campus and a review of his conduct.
8. The appointment of a full-time, competent Vice-Chancellor who upholds the values of SRFTI.
9. Complete removal of police presence on campus to safeguard the right to peaceful protest.
Concluding their statement, ALIFA emphasized that it is "tragic and unacceptable that a premier institution like the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute is being converted into a fortress and another ground for the right-wing take over of educational and learning spaces."
The alliance affirmed its "full solidarity with progressive students and faculty of SRFTI, in reclaiming their campus in true spirit of freedom and creativity."
The All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA – NAPM) has called on the institute administration and relevant authorities to address these demands immediately to restore safety and democracy to the campus.
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