Violent Clash at Gandhi Medical College: MBBS Students Fight Over Noodles Leaves Doctor in ICU and 15 Suspended

A doctor currently remains in intensive care, a first-year student narrowly avoided serious harm, and 15 students have received suspensions following a violent incident at Gandhi Medical College.

What started as a simple late-night desire for noodles transformed into one of the most violent confrontations that Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has experienced in recent memory.

The dispute, which began over "who will get noodles first" at Sudhamrit Cafe on December 4, rapidly escalated into a full-scale conflict between day scholars and hostelers, with participants wielding iron rods, sticks and batons during the melee.

Currently, one doctor is receiving treatment in the ICU, a first-year student fortunately escaped major injury, and the administration has suspended 15 students involved in the altercation.

The confrontation occurred around midnight when MBBS students, returning from AIIMS Bhopal's Retina Fest, stopped for a late meal at the cafe. Reports indicate some students were under the influence of alcohol, and a minor disagreement quickly intensified. The altercation erupted with such intensity that within minutes, groups of students were engaged in physical combat, transforming the college grounds into a scene of chaos.

Witnesses report that Paras, a student from the 2024 batch, was allegedly surrounded by approximately 15 senior students who attacked him with sticks. When senior resident Dr. Shailesh Chaudhary attempted to de-escalate the situation, he was severely beaten and sustained serious head and body injuries. Paras suffered injuries to his arm and shoulder and was released after treatment, while Dr. Shailesh required admission to the intensive care unit.

The violence continued as students trying to separate the combatants were also assaulted, with many sustaining significant injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the campus, which has already been experiencing increasing tensions between day scholars and hostel residents.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, GMC administration held an emergency meeting on December 5. Fifteen students received immediate suspensions, and hostel residents were instructed to vacate their accommodations without delay. Dean Dr. Kavita N. Singh characterized the incident as "grave indiscipline" and emphasized that medical students are expected to demonstrate maturity, self-control and professionalism. "Violence on campus will not be tolerated. Strict action will continue," she stated.

What makes this incident particularly concerning is the pattern it represents. In just the past year, Gandhi Medical College has experienced over 36 disputes between hostelers and day scholars, yet security measures remain inadequate, with insufficient surveillance, intervention teams or preventive protocols in place.