Video: Alleged Fire in IIT Bombay Hostel 17 During Mood Indigo Fest; University Denies Claims Of Non-Residents Being Responsible

A video circulating on social media has raised concerns about the state of campus accommodations at IIT Bombay, particularly during the ongoing Mood Indigo festival. The video shows a fire in one of the hostels and is accompanied by a caption alleging poor living conditions for students, with claims that non-resident guests were the cause of the fire.

The caption reads, "The incident that happened, I think the administration should rethink about renting rooms to outsiders and making their own students vacate. This is not the first time; every year this happens but goes unnoticed. Last year, when I shifted back to my room, it was in terrible condition—walls scratched, table broken, almirah door damaged, and everything was a mess."

The video, which shows furniture on fire in Hostel 17, led to speculation that non-resident guests staying during the festival were responsible for the fire. Students were seen scrambling to save their belongings, with fire extinguishers being used to control the flames.

When contacted by Free Press Journal (FPJ), officials clarified the situation, providing photos of hostel rooms in much better condition than described in the video. The university also responded to the claims about students being forced to vacate their rooms for non-residents, citing the charge of Rs. 3,000 for five-day stays in these rooms.

In a statement, an IIT Bombay spokesperson firmly rejected the accusations, calling the circulating news false. "An accidental fire started in one of the corners of an open space of Hostel 17. The hostel authorities immediately took note of the incident and doused the fire with the help of the Quick Response Team of the institute. No students, staff, or outsiders were involved here. IIT Bombay remains committed to ensuring the safety of the campus residents," said the spokesperson.