SRFTI Campus Violence Sparks Student Protest
Recent reports indicate escalating tensions at the School of Rural Fellowship and Training in Industrial Media (SRFTI) in Mumbai, leading to a sustained student protest. The situation has drawn the attention of prominent filmmakers and raised concerns about university administration and faculty conduct. As of October 24, 2026, students are demanding changes in leadership and addressing perceived irregularities in the institute’s operations.
Key Developments and Allegations
The protests began earlier this month, triggered by allegations of mismanagement, biased faculty actions, and a lack of transparency within the SRFTI. Students claim that certain faculty members have been exhibiting preferential treatment and that the administration is unresponsive to their concerns. Specifically, a core grievance revolves around the selection process for certain courses and the perceived influence of external figures on academic decisions.
Filmmaker Support and Controversy
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has publicly voiced her support for the students, expressing her “horror” at the campus violence reported during the protests. Her statement, carried by several news outlets including The Telegraph India, Deccan Herald and NDTV, underscores the growing public concern surrounding the situation. Furthermore, Naseeruddin Shah, another well-known filmmaker, has joined the chorus of support, publicly criticizing what he describes as misleading statements made by Gajendra Chauhan, a former SRFTI director.
Chauhan’s Response and Disagreement
Gajendra Chauhan, who previously served as the institute’s director, responded to criticisms by claiming that Shah was “lying” about the film institute and misleading students. This exchange highlights the deep divisions within the SRFTI community. Sources indicate a significant disagreement between Chauhan and other faculty members regarding the institute’s direction and governance. The Times of India reported on this exchange, further amplifying the controversy.
SRFTI’s Response and Plea to Parents
SRFTI has issued a statement urging parents to take protesting students home, aiming to de-escalate the situation and maintain a stable learning environment. The official SRFTI website, https://www.srfti.ac.in/, carries this announcement and details about the institute’s operational procedures. The administration asserts it is committed to addressing student concerns through established channels, though students maintain these channels are ineffective.
Eligibility and Application Information
For prospective students, it’s important to note the SRFTI’s admission process. Details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the syllabus can be found on the official website. Currently, admissions are paused due to the ongoing unrest. https://www.srfti.ac.in/admissions provides the most current information. However, the university’s website states that admissions will resume once the situation stabilizes.
Ongoing Situation and Future Outlook
As of today, October 24, 2026, the protests are ongoing. Negotiations between student representatives and university officials appear to be stalled. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome remains uncertain. Monitoring official SRFTI communications and news reports is crucial for staying informed. Deccan Chronicle reported on the university’s request for students to return home, emphasizing the desire to restore normalcy to campus operations. The long-term impact of these events on SRFTI’s reputation and future admissions is yet to be seen.
- Key Demand: Students are demanding greater transparency and accountability from the SRFTI administration.
- Faculty Disagreement: A significant rift exists between faculty members regarding institute governance.
- Parental Request: SRFTI has asked protesting students to return home.
- Official Website: https://www.srfti.ac.in/ – For the latest updates and official information.
Based on reporting by Telegraph India. Read the original report.
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