BHOPAL: A midnight protest at VIT University in Sehore district on the Indore–Bhopal Highway turned into large-scale violence late on Tuesday, with angry students allegedly torching multiple vehicles and damaging campus property. Videos of burning vehicles and students shouting slogans have gone viral on social media.The unrest began after several students—estimated to be around two dozen—fell ill with suspected jaundice. Students claimed the university ignored repeated complaints about deteriorating hygiene and food quality. Many students said they had been forced to purchase bottled mineral water at their own expense for several days because of poor water quality in hostels.
Tension reportedly rose when faculty members allegedly assaulted protesting students. As the agitation grew, large groups of students gathered in open areas of the campus around midnight, chanting slogans and demanding immediate action.According to sources, two cars, a bus, an ambulance and several motorbikes were set on fire, and furious students vandalised parts of the chancellor’s bungalow. Visuals show flames rising high as students look on, record videos, and continue shouting slogans.
Activists from the ABVP later reached the campus. Police teams from Sehore and nearby areas were deployed to control the situation and prevent further violence.Despite the scale of the protest and serious reports of illness, neither the VIT administration nor district authorities have issued an official statement. Repeated attempts to contact university representatives went unanswered.Police said they are verifying the cause of the illnesses, investigating allegations of assault, and assessing the damage. Further action will be taken once the inquiry is completed.
