The chaos erupted after students alleged that unhygienic food and contaminated water in the hostel had led to widespread jaundice outbreaks. According to students, several hostellers fell seriously ill, with nearly 100 admitted across hospitals in Ashta, Sehore and Bhopal. Rumours of student deaths further escalated tensions.

The protest quickly turned violent. Students set fire to a bus and several parked cars, damaged an ambulance, and smashed window panes across hostel blocks. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from over a kilometre away. Visuals shared by students on social media showed overturned vehicles and guards allegedly assaulting protesting students, which intensified public outrage.

Police officers, including the SDOP Ashta and teams from Ashta, Jawar, Parvati, Kotwali and Mandi police stations, reached the campus around midnight. Authorities engaged the students in dialogue for several hours before the crowd dispersed.

Students claim the unrest was triggered not only by health concerns but also by alleged harassment from hostel wardens and guards. They allege they were pressured to remain silent and were assaulted when they raised complaints about food quality.

District officials said the situation is now under control. “Holidays have been declared till November 30. Many students are returning home. The administration will collect detailed applications from hostel residents regarding their grievances,” SP Deepak Shukla said.

A meeting between college management and student representatives is scheduled for Wednesday. Officials have assured that all allegations, including those related to food safety and hostel misconduct, will be investigated.