BHOPAL: A midnight protest at VIT University in Sehore district along the Indore–Bhopal Highway spiralled into large-scale violence late Tuesday, with enraged students allegedly torching several vehicles and vandalising university property. Videos of burning cars and students shouting slogans quickly spread across social media.
The unrest followed illness among several students—estimated at around two dozen—who reportedly developed symptoms of jaundice. Students claimed the administration ignored repeated complaints about unhygienic conditions and deteriorating food quality. Unverified reports also alleged that at least three students had died of jaundice on campus over the past month.
Many students said they were forced to buy bottled water for days due to poor hostel water quality. Tensions escalated further when faculty members allegedly assaulted some of the protesting students, triggering a wider mobilisation. By midnight, hundreds had gathered in open areas of the campus, chanting slogans and demanding urgent action.
According to sources, two cars, a bus, an ambulance and several motorcycles were set ablaze, while parts of the chancellor’s bungalow were vandalised. Members of the ABVP later arrived at the campus, and multiple police teams from Sehore and nearby areas were deployed to contain the violence.
Despite the severity of the situation and reports of illness, neither the VIT administration nor district authorities have issued an official statement. Repeated attempts to reach university officials went unanswered.
Police said they are verifying the cause of the illnesses, probing allegations of assault, and assessing property damage. Further action will follow the outcome of the investigation.
