The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Bhopal, has rejected allegations in a government report about last month’s violent student protests after a jaundice outbreak on campus. In a reply to the Higher Education Department on December 10, 2025, VIT called the report “fallacious and misconceived.” The institute denied creating a “fearful atmosphere” or harassing students. VIT claimed the protests were sparked by “fake news” spread on social media. "On November 25, 2025, academic activities were normal till evening. Suddenly, false news about three students dying and 300 in critical condition spread on social media," the reply said. It added that messages on WhatsApp urged students to protest. Despite efforts to calm the situation, protests continued in some hostels. VIT said only 35 jaundice cases were reported out of more than 17,000 students. However, some students said the university asked symptomatic cases to go home. On the protest night, about 4,000 students demonstrated after a warden and staff allegedly assaulted students complaining about food and water quality. The protest turned violent, with vehicles including a bus and an ambulance set on fire, and properties including the chancellor’s residence and labs damaged. A government committee was formed to probe the incident, and the Madhya Pradesh Private University Regulatory Commission issued a show-cause notice on December 1. VIT defended its food arrangements, stating reputed caterers serve about 9,271 boys and 3,870 girls living in hostels, with regular feedback meetings. Regarding water quality, VIT said it uses advanced filtration and purification systems and is setting up a new water testing facility. It denied the claim that the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) was detained during an inspection, calling it “misleading.” The CMHO reportedly spent two hours inspecting the campus but was not blocked at the gate. VIT’s response strongly contests the government’s findings and points to misinformation as the root cause of campus unrest.