Violence erupted at VIT Bhopal on Tuesday night after a large group of students protested over alleged cases of jaundice and complaints of contaminated water and unhygienic food on campus. Multiple news organisations have reported that the demonstrations quickly escalated, with several vehicles set on fire and parts of the campus vandalised. Police forces from nearby stations were deployed to control the situation.
Media reports indicate that students have been alleging for weeks that hostel water quality was poor and that repeated complaints to the administration received no effective response. The university has denied neglect, stating that water and food samples tested “safe” and that all students who were treated for jaundice had been discharged. Officials have also rejected claims circulating on social media about multiple student deaths, calling them “baseless.” No independent verification has yet confirmed any fatalities linked to jaundice.
The Print, Indian Express, and Business Standard have reported that an FIR has been registered against at least six staff members, including a hostel warden, after some students accused them of assault during the unrest. Following the violence, the Madhya Pradesh Private University Regulatory Commission formed a three-member committee to investigate both the alleged health issues and the events that triggered the riots. The university has been temporarily shut until the committee submits its findings.
In a separate incident, Hindi media outlets reported that a university professor, Sangram Kesari Das, was found dead in his room. At present, the cause of his death has not been officially confirmed, and no link between the protests and the incident has been established in public reporting.
There remains a clear gap between student allegations and official statements. Reports differ on the number of students affected by jaundice, and authorities have not released detailed medical data or test results. Until the inquiry committee publishes its report, the exact nature of the health issues and the circumstances that led to the violent escalation remain unresolved.
