Santosh Ajmera, who assumed the post of Vice-Chancellor at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) just 15 days ago, is facing a crisis that has turned violent. On Thursday, a student allegedly manhandled Ajmera while others hurled abusive language at him. The assault happened as Ajmera and faculty members were leaving a meeting convened to condemn the previous night's vandalism of his office.
The office itself sustained extensive damage on Wednesday night. According to the institute's statement, students threw stones that shattered windows and cut water and air-conditioning lines. By Thursday morning, the room was strewn with broken glass and damaged furniture. Ajmera described the atmosphere on campus as "disturbing and intimidating," calling the physical attack unacceptable.
This escalation marks the 17th day of an academic shutdown called by the SRFTI Students' Union, which began on September 28. The protest stems from earlier clashes with outfits linked to the RSS. Eight students have already been served show-cause notices on disciplinary grounds, a move the union views as punitive. Ajmera also alleged that a specific group of students has been intimidating peers for eight days, forcing some to leave the campus and return home.
The Students' Union has formalised their demands in a letter dated October 14, addressed to SRFTI Chairman Suresh Goel. Signed by union president Blossom Hazarika and vice-president Shubham Waydande, the letter calls for Ajmera's immediate resignation, the revocation of all disciplinary notices, and an independent inquiry into the campus violence. They have pledged to continue their "academic halt and indefinite sit-in" until these conditions are met.
The Centre has been urged to intervene immediately. As the standoff enters its third week, the focus now shifts to whether the administration will accept the resignation demand or enforce stricter disciplinary measures against the protesting students. The next move is expected to come from Chairman Goel, who must decide how to handle the union's ultimatum amid the ongoing security concerns.