Jaundice Outbreak Triggers Unrest at VIT Bhopal; Campus Vehicles Torched

Violent protests erupted at VIT University Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district late Tuesday night, as students alleged that poor-quality food and contaminated water on campus had led to a widespread jaundice outbreak.

According to students, more than two dozen learners have shown jaundice-like symptoms in recent weeks. Anger over the administration’s alleged inaction culminated in a massive demonstration, with around 4,000 students gathering on campus. The protest soon turned violent, with a section of the crowd torching several vehicles and damaging university property, including the chancellor’s bungalow.

In response to the escalating situation, the university declared a holiday until the end of November. Several students accused the management of ignoring repeated complaints about food and water quality. They also alleged that security guards and staff mistreated them when they tried to raise these concerns.

The district administration, however, refuted rumours that any deaths had occurred due to jaundice. “The children had problems with water and food… There were rumours of deaths due to jaundice. This is not the case. We are working to solve the children’s problems,” said Nitin Kumar Tale, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ashta, where the campus is located.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitendra Patwari called the incident “extremely concerning” and demanded a fair investigation. “It is reprehensible that children are not provided with clean water and pure food. The government should conduct a fair investigation into the entire matter and take strict action against the culprits,” he wrote on X.