Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Nov 26: VIT Bhopal University in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed massive student unrest on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, prompting the administration to declare holidays till November 30, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Around 4,000 students staged a violent protest at the Ashta-area campus, expressing frustration over inadequate facilities, including poor drinking water, substandard food, and unhygienic toilets. Initial attempts by university security to control the situation reportedly failed, and videos showing some first-year students being assaulted outside a boys’ hostel further escalated tensions.
Students also raised concerns about a suspected outbreak of jaundice linked to non-potable water, with some claiming deaths, though university authorities denied any fatalities. The protests rapidly turned destructive, with six to seven vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and a university bus, being damaged or set on fire. Reports also suggested vandalism at the vice chancellor’s residence.
Police from five Sehore district stations were deployed to the campus to restore order. A university official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “There had been growing concern among students about suspected jaundice cases after Diwali. But no deaths have occurred on campus.” Senior police officials confirmed that a heavy force remains deployed in and around the campus to monitor the situation and ensure safety as students disperse.
The unrest drew sharp political reactions. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari targeted the government, stating on X, “Jaundice has spread widely in VIT, the state's premier educational institution. A large number of students are admitted to hospitals in Bhopal, Ashta, and Sehore. There are also reports of several children being seriously ill. This is a failure not only of the educational institution but also of the government and the system.”
Patwari added that if the institution, despite charging hefty fees, fails to provide basic amenities like clean water and food, it should be considered a “crime.” He accused the BJP government of attempting to suppress students’ voices and vowed, “Congress will fight for justice with the children. We will not let our future be wasted.”