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SRFTI students in Kolkata hold indefinite sit-in and boycott classes over security

Kolkata, West Bengal, India · since Sep 27, 2026

Is it still on?

YESDay 17 and counting, since Sep 27.

Last report · checked

The Tea in three lines

Why they are protesting
Students are protesting over campus violence and security breaches following clashes on September 27 and October 4.
What they want
Students are demanding better campus security and the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
What changed
Oct 13: SRFTI students began an indefinite sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor's office, continuing a class boycott into its 16th day.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera
  • Better campus security and protection from external incursions
  • Accountability for those responsible for campus violence

Organised by: SRFTI Students' Union

What authorities say

The institute issued a statement on October 5 condemning violence, stating it is working with local authorities and has filed a formal complaint. Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera could not be reached for comment according to reports.123

The full story

Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata launched an indefinite sit-in outside Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera's office, alongside an ongoing class boycott that reached its 16th day. The protests were triggered by violence on campus on September 27 during a program held by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, and subsequent clashes on October 4 during a demonstration by the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha. According to the SRFTI students' union spokesperson Sudip Chakraborty, the protesters are demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and stronger security measures to protect the institute's liberal atmosphere from external incursions. In response, institute authorities issued a statement on October 5 expressing deep concern, noting that formal complaints have been filed, and pledging cooperation with local authorities to maintain peace.

Timeline

  1. SRFTI students escalated their protest by launching an indefinite sit-in demanding the Vice-Chancellor's resignation.23

  2. The institute issued a statement condemning violence and stating it was working with local authorities.123

  3. Tensions escalated further after a scuffle broke out during a protest outside the institute's main gate.123

  4. Students began boycotting classes following clashes during an event on the SRFTI campus.123

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