Agitated over unhygienic conditions, VIT College students resort to violent protest, arson

Scores of students of the renowned Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Bhopal branch, located in adjoining Sehore, set fire to vehicles and parts of the college building and damaged property while staging a violent protest over their allegations of unhygienic conditions leading to spread of jaundice and other diseases in the campus.

The agitation turned even more volatile when some private guards of the college allegedly assaulted some of the protesting students. This prompted the police force from five police stations to rush to the campus on Tuesday night. For further security, personnel of para-military forces were also sent to the VIT campus.

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Some protesters ignited fires in some rooms and offices of the college on Wednesday morning too.

The protesters overturned cars and climbed on them raising slogans. They damaged some buses of the college too. Many window panes of the college buildings were broken in stone pelting during the protest.

Meanwhile, the college management has declared holidays till 30 November. Many students vacated the hostels on Tuesday night itself while many others left the campus on Wednesday.

Activists of the ABVP and NSUI also staged protests and burnt effigies outside the college main gate.

Additional police force from the police stations of Aashta, Jawar, Parvati, Kotwali, and Mandi has been deployed at the spot.

The protesting students have alleged that poor quality food and water at the university caused several of their peers to fall ill with jaundice. They claimed that around 100 students have been admitted to hospitals.

The state government deployed a Health Department team to collect blood samples and carry out tests.

State Higher Education Department Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan said that a team from the Higher Education Department is being sent from Bhopal to Sehore to investigate the incidents at VIT College.

Congress National Secretary Kunal Chaudhary alleged that the situation at VIT University has spiralled out of control due to the spread of jaundice. He said the mass illness of students on such a large scale reflects gross administrative failure rather than an accident.

Chaudhary added that when students pay hefty fees for years, even basic facilities such as clean water, hygienic food, and essential healthcare should be guaranteed. “The lack of these essentials exposes systemic corruption, pointing to a network ranging from representatives of the ‘education mafia’ to government ministers”, he charged.

NSUI National Spokesperson Viraj Yadav also alleged that the incident at VIT University Bhopal has exposed deep negligence and indifference from both the university administration and the Madhya Pradesh government. “While students are struggling for basic necessities such as clean water, food, and healthcare, the administration remains asleep and the government silent. This is the spark of Gen Z’s anger”, he averred.

Yadav further said that the NSUI would not remain silent and launch a strong movement across the state to protect students’ rights. “NSUI has also warned the MP Higher Education Minister that if immediate and strict action is not taken, NSUI will blockade the minister’s residence as a form of protest”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the State’s Private University Regulatory Commission also constituted a three-member committee comprising Anil Shivani, Principal of Hamidia College, Bhopal, Professor Sanjay Dixit from MVM College, Bhopal, and Professor Dr. Lokendra Dave from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, to investigate the matter.

The commission has directed the committee to submit its report within three days.

The district administration has assured students that their complaints would be discussed with the college management for resolution. Sehore SP Deepak Shukla stated that the situation in the university and hostel campus is being continuously monitored, and presently it is normal and under control.