SRFTINaseeruddin ShahBJPKolkataStudent Protests
SRFTI Rusticates Six Students for Vandalism, Defacement, Assault – Not Protest
Published: October 25, 2026
SRFTI rusticated six students for a year over vandalism, defacement and assault on campus, asserting the action was unrelated to student protests. The institute’s decision comes as classes remain suspended since September 28 and students demand Vice‑Chancellor Santosh Ajmera resign.
SRFTI announced it has rusticated six students for a year after finding evidence of vandalism, defacement and physical assault on campus. The decision follows internal investigations that concluded the acts violated institute regulations. The institute insists the disciplinary action was taken solely for misconduct, not for any form of protest.
The move comes amid a broader clash between faculty and a faction of students who accuse RSS‑linked groups of orchestrating attacks on campus. Students have been holding walkouts and demanding that Vice‑Chancellor Santosh Ajmera step down.
Classes have been suspended since September 28, leaving 1,200 students without instruction and raising concerns about the future of the institute’s flagship courses.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who appeared in a video supporting the students, said the BJP is targeting those who oppose its ideology. In response, BJP MP Rahul Sinha called for an investigation into Shah’s remarks, accusing him of colluding with foreign forces and opposition parties.