NEW DELHI: Describing the FTII campus as a den for "drug addicts, goons and anarchy", a professor of the institute has alleged that he was intimidated by the students for speaking against the strike and has been forced to go on a week's leave. The faculty member, Sanjay Jayant Chandekar, works in the community radio department of the film institute.

In a complaint to FTII director Prashant Patharabe, Chandekar said he was frightened and "thoroughly disturbed" after the incident on July 20. I&B ministry officials expressed concern over the state of affairs on the Pune campus and are considering a series of stringent measures against the spate of incidents of indiscipline. Earlier an inquiry by the ministry revealed that as many as 40 former students continued to squat on the campus despite having completed their respective courses.

Ministry sources said the current year's admission process could be put on hold or significantly delayed. The entrance exam for this year is scheduled to be held on August 9.

Chandekar said he was "perturbed" by the strike and to bring out the violations by students, he along with four colleagues, including Vishwas Nerdekar and Sadanand Phadke, addressed a press conference on July 16 under the forum of "Save FTII". "I am writing this with great courage as the right to freedom of speech and expression is only meant for students and not for teachers and employees of this organization. The faculty has to watch the happenings as a silent observer here," he said.

The faculty member said he was abused and threatened by the striking students in his office on July 20. Naming the students, Chandekar said he managed to escape and complain to the director. He also said that the students chased him to the director's office and threatened him. It was only after some time that the students retreated.

Alleging that the strike was politically motivated and students were threatened by "increasing right wing activities in the organization", Chandekar said, "Is this an educational institution or a place for drug addicts, goons and anarchy?"

He said there were many "gross violations" with "cigarettes, liquor, drugs etc. common on campus…The CCTV cameras are often broken".

Over 300 students of the institute have been on strike for over a month against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan, an actor and BJP member, best known for playing Yudhishthir in TV serial Mahabharat, as chairman. Ministry sources said those who have completed their course are playing with the lives of the under-graduates.

FTII registrar U C Bodake sent a report to the Centre about "increasing indiscipline" in recent years. "We have received several complaints (about indiscipline)," a source said.

Former FTII faculty members also appear to be familiar with this "indisciplined behaviour". Former FTII professor in the Cinematography department Dr B Diwakar said, "These students are completely pampered and are undisciplined. There is no shortage of infrastructure or any resources. But the students don't submit their scripts on time or adhere to any schedule. The protest against Gajendra Chauhan is just another excuse." Dr Diwakar is currently professor at Jamia Millia Islamia.