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VIT Bhopal Campus Erupts: Student Fury Over Jaundice Outbreak Turns Violent

Violent protests erupted at VIT Bhopal after students fell ill with jaundice from contaminated food and water. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav immediately ordered Minister Krishna Gaur to visit the campus and resolve the crisis. Students had been complaining for over a month before the situation escalated into property destruction. The university has suspended classes while authorities investigate the food quality issues and assault allegations.

Key Points: CM Yadav Orders VIT Bhopal Violence Probe After Student Protests

  • Over 3,000 students protested after jaundice cases linked to poor food quality
  • Violence included torching ambulance, bus and vandalizing chancellor's residence
  • Police filed FIR against warden and five staff for assault allegations
  • University declared holidays until December 8 but campus evacuation not mandatory
  • At least 33 students treated for jaundice over past month at Bhopal hospital
  • CM ordered statewide review of private universities to prevent recurrences
3 min read

VIT university violence: CM Yadav directs Minister Krishna Gaur to visit campus

MP CM directs minister to VIT campus after violent student protests over jaundice outbreak from contaminated food and water. FIR filed, holidays declared.

"Taking cognisance of the VIT University matter, in-charge Minister Krishna Gaur has been instructed to visit the campus - CM Mohan Yadav"

Sehore/Bhopal, Nov 27

Taking cognisance of the violence that broke out at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University campus in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district two days ago, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.

CM Yadav instructed Sehore’s in-charge minister, Krishna Gaur, to visit the university campus immediately, interact with students and the VIT management, and ensure that necessary steps are taken to restore normalcy and resolve the grievances.

He also directed Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar to convene a high-level review meeting of private universities and educational institutions across the state and initiate prompt corrective measures wherever required.

“Taking cognisance of the VIT University matter, in-charge Minister Krishna Gaur has been instructed to visit the campus, communicate with students and management, and take necessary action to resolve the problem,” CM Yadav posted on X.

On Tuesday night, more than 3,000 students staged massive protests after several of their peers allegedly fell ill with jaundice, reportedly due to poor-quality food and water.

The agitation escalated into violence as students torched an ambulance, a bus, and at least three cars, and vandalised hostels, the Chancellor’s residence, and other campus facilities.

The situation was brought under control after senior police and district officials reached the campus and engaged with the agitating students.

According to students, the unrest erupted after some security personnel allegedly assaulted those who had been complaining for over a month about contaminated food and water, but the administration failed to act.

Police have registered an FIR against warden Prashant Kumar Pandey and five other staff members under Sections 190(2), 296A, 115(2), and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on a student’s complaint. An investigation is underway.

SDM Nitin Kumar Tale, who met students after the incident, said they were agitated primarily over poor food and water quality. He dismissed rumours of a student’s death due to jaundice, clarifying that no such incident had occurred.

“We are collecting food and water samples, and all shortcomings will be addressed,” he said.

Following the violence, the university declared holidays until December 8, prompting many students to leave campus hurriedly.

VIT Bhopal Registrar K.K. Nair clarified that vacating the campus was not mandatory and only classes had been suspended. “We have over 12,000 students from across the country. Those who wish to stay back are free to do so,” he said, adding that the situation had stabilised.

Nair confirmed that at least 33 students had contracted jaundice over the past month and were treated at Chirayu Medical College and Hospital in Bhopal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the students' frustration, destroying property and torching vehicles is not the solution. Violence only makes matters worse. The authorities should have addressed their concerns when they first complained a month ago. Better late than never though - glad CM Yadav is taking this seriously.
A
Arjun K
As a parent whose child studies in a private university in MP, this incident worries me deeply. We pay lakhs in fees expecting proper facilities and safety. If established institutions like VIT can't maintain basic food quality, what about smaller colleges? The high-level review meeting is much needed across all private universities.
S
Sarah B
33 students with jaundice is alarming! This shows systematic failure in campus management. The warden and staff being booked under FIR is the right step. Hope the investigation brings out the truth and proper compensation is given to affected students. Health of our youth should never be compromised 💪
K
Karthik V
Good to see immediate government response. Minister Krishna Gaur visiting the campus personally will help understand ground reality. But I hope this isn't just for show - concrete action and regular monitoring of food/water quality in all educational institutions must follow. Our students deserve better!
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Michael C
The university declaring holidays until December 8 seems like a temporary fix. What about the academic loss? They need to ensure proper arrangements for completing the syllabus. Also, the administration should publicly apologize for their negligence and implement robust quality control measures immediately.

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