Sehore (Madhya Pradesh)— Students of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) campus in Sehore launched a violent protest late Tuesday night, alleging that contaminated food and water had caused a surge in jaundice cases. The agitation quickly escalated, leading to arson and extensive damage to campus property, officials said on Wednesday.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the protesting students vandalised the campus, setting fire to vehicles and damaging infrastructure. A bus, two four-wheelers, an ambulance, hostel window panes, an RO plant and several other facilities were destroyed.
A police official estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 students participated in the unrest. Security teams and officers from multiple police stations rushed to the scene after receiving alerts. They held discussions with the students, assured them that their grievances would be addressed, and worked to stabilise the situation.
Ashta SDOP Akash Amalkar confirmed that order had been restored and that an adequate police presence remained on the campus. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The college administration has declared a holiday until November 30, and many students have begun returning home. Sehore Superintendent of Police Deepak Shukla said the sub-divisional magistrate and SDOP would collect written complaints from hostel students and details about those who are unwell.
The incident has sparked political criticism. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari accused the institution and the government of neglect, claiming that jaundice had spread widely on the campus and that many students were hospitalised in Bhopal, Ashta and Sehore.
Patwari said on X that failing to provide clean water and proper food despite charging high fees amounted to a “crime”. He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress student voices and vowed that the Congress would fight for justice.
