VIT Bhopal Protest Over Jaundice Outbreak Turns Violent

Violent protests erupted at VIT Bhopal on November 25 after students alleged a jaundice outbreak linked to contaminated water and poor hygiene on campus.

Around 4,000 students gathered and allegedly set multiple vehicles ablaze, inflicting major damage including to the chancellor’s bungalow. Students claimed their repeated complaints about food, water quality and sanitation were ignored by the administration, escalating frustration on campus.

A student stated that protests intensified as the management “suppressed complaints without clear responses,” and no action was taken despite repeated concerns. Students further alleged harassment by hostel staff and guards, including threats and physical assaults when they tried to raise the issues.

Police teams from Sehore and neighbouring areas were deployed to bring the situation under control, while many students reported having to buy bottled water due to unsafe campus supply. So far, neither the university nor district authorities have issued an official statement on the outbreak or the violence.

VIT Registrar K. K. Nair denied reports of jaundice-related deaths, claiming repeated testing found food and water samples safe. Police have begun probing illness cases, assaults and property damage, with further action pending investigation.

Superintendent of Police Deepak Shukla said the campus has been declared closed until November 30, the situation is currently stable, and a list of sick students is being prepared for further assistance.