Karnataka CET Controversy: Students Forced to Remove Sacred Threads, Minister Calls Incident "Regrettable"
Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar terms the alleged incident “condemnable” and orders probe.
BNH NETWORK
Students in Shivamogga allege they were asked to remove Janeu and Kalava before entering the exam hall.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:
- Students in Shivamogga allege they were forced to remove Janeu and Kalava at CET exam centre.
- One student refused to remove Janeu, was allowed after a 15-minute delay but forced to discard Kalava.
- Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Sabha demands strict action for "hurting religious sentiments."
- Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar assures inquiry and action if claims are validated.
Karnataka CET Exam Sparks Controversy Over Removal of Sacred Threads
Shivamogga - A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka after students appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET) in Shivamogga alleged that they were forced to remove their Janeu (sacred thread) and Kalava (holy wrist thread) before being allowed into the examination centre.
The incident reportedly took place at the Adi Chunchanagiri PU College on April 16, when students were allegedly stopped at the gate and instructed to remove the religious threads, sparking outrage among community groups.
Students Claim Religious Symbols Were Targeted During Exam Security Check
According to reports, two students were asked to remove their Janeu and Kalava at the security gate. A third student, however, refused to remove his Janeu, asserting his religious rights even at the cost of missing the exam. After a 15-minute standoff, the student was allowed to write the exam with the Janeu intact, but his Kalava was removed by security personnel and discarded.
Family Members Speak Out: Student Forced to Choose Between Faith and Exam
The student’s family, especially his uncle, expressed deep disappointment, alleging that religious sentiments were trampled. Speaking to the media, the uncle said:
“My nephew made it clear that he would rather skip the exam than remove his Janeu. Eventually, the guards allowed him to write the exam with the Janeu but removed the Kalava and threw it into a dustbin.”
He also claimed two other students had their Janeu forcibly removed prior to this.
Brahmin Community Condemns Incident, Demands Action from Authorities
The Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Sabha met with the district administration, demanding swift action against those responsible for “hurting religious sentiments.” They urged the authorities to treat this incident as a serious violation of constitutional rights and religious freedom.
Minister MC Sudhakar Responds: Incident is ‘Highly Condemnable’ if Proven
Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar responded to the growing controversy by acknowledging the gravity of the allegations.
“Such an incident should never have happened. If the claims are true, it is highly condemnable. I’ve asked the Executive Director for a detailed report,” Sudhakar said.
He clarified that examination protocols do not mandate the removal of sacred threads and assured action if any official is found guilty.
