The Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute has suspended all academic activities for the film and electronic and digital media wings until November 13. The institute on October 16 ordered all students to vacate hostels and campus premises within 24 hours and suspended hostel mess services. The order also warns of disciplinary or legal action for any violations.
The institute has been in the eye of a controversy as students have been alleging that the institute had failed to take action on an October 9 complaint of a female staff member, and a student attacked on September 27 got a disciplinary notice.
The institute’s order came after the rustication of six students for allegedly assaulting the vice chancellor and vandalising his chamber. The order stated that the measures were taken in view of the “ensuing festive period”, “administrative requirements” and “in the interest of the orderly functioning”. Dean Sukanta Majumdar said, “This is a much-needed break. We hope, we will all return… and work properly afterwards.”
The students’ union condemned the closure decision. “An educational institution charged with protecting the safety of its students cannot issue orders which threaten their life and liberty,” the union said.