Chaos at Sehore VIT College: 4,000 Students Burn Bus and VC’s Car; Administration Declares Holiday

Sehore, Madhya Pradesh: A massive student protest erupted at VIT College in Sehore on Tuesday night, triggered by poor food and drinking water quality. Approximately 4,000 students created chaos on campus, setting a bus, vehicles—including the Vice-Chancellor’s car—and even an ambulance on fire. The administration intervened and has now declared a holiday for the college until 30 November.

Students Raise Alarm Over Poor Food and Water

The protest began over allegations of substandard food and water at the college, which reportedly caused several students to fall ill with jaundice, and in some cases, resulted in fatalities. Around 100 students have been admitted to hospitals in Ashta, Sehore, and Bhopal. Videos surfaced showing hostel wardens and security guards allegedly assaulting students to silence their complaints, which further escalated tensions.

Frustration Boils Over Into Violence

With no satisfactory response from the college management, students’ anger escalated. They gathered in large numbers, causing significant damage across the campus. A bus, a bike, and an ambulance were vandalized, along with broken hostel windows, RO plant equipment, and other infrastructure.

Authorities Restore Control

Upon receiving reports of the unrest, officials including the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), SDOP Ashta, and police teams from Ashta, Jawar, Parvati, Kotwali, and Mandi stations rushed to the scene. Police and administrative officers engaged with students to restore calm. SP Deepak Shukla confirmed that the situation is now under control and that the college will remain closed until 30 November. Students have been allowed to return home, and the administration assured that their grievances will be addressed through discussions with the college management. A joint meeting with students and management is scheduled for today.

Police Presence Ensures Safety

SDOP Ashta Akash Amalakar stated that sufficient police personnel remain deployed at the college and hostel premises to maintain order. During the protest, students had evacuated the campus, while videos showed security guards clashing with them. Smoke from the fires was visible from over a kilometer away, and students had even overturned a car on campus.