SRFTI students allege police presence on campus infringes on privacy
The students' union claims police patrolling around hostels restricts their freedom of movement and interaction.
The SRFTI students' union alleged on Saturday that police personnel remained at the administration building entrance and conducted patrols across the campus, including near hostels, according to The Hindu. The union held a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club to express concerns regarding the deployment of these officers.
Students' union general secretary Nachiket stated that even on Saturday, a day off for officials, police were stationed at the administration building entrance and were patrolling the hostel areas. The union demanded that patrolling near hostels end immediately so students can move and interact without feeling watched.
The administration has rejected these claims. SRFTI registrar Deepak Kumar described allegations that the institute failed to act as "absolutely false and fake," stating that steps have been taken to address security concerns.
The institute maintained that police were deployed to protect students, faculty, and staff. The administration cited incidents of vandalism at the Vice-Chancellor's office, physical abuse, and a march on campus on October 27 as reasons for the security measures.
The standoff follows an alleged attack during an event on September 27 and another incident on October 4. Students have been conducting an indefinite sit-in outside the office of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera since October 12, seeking his resignation and accountability for the attacks.