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Bengaluru: Two home guards deployed at a Common Entrance Test (CET) examination centre in Shivamogga, Karnataka, were suspended after they allegedly forced two students to remove their janivara (sacred thread) before entering the exam hall. The incident, which occurred on April 16 at Aadichunchanagiri Independent PU College in Sharavathinagara, has sparked outrage among the local Brhamin community and Hindu groups, compelling district authorities to take swift action.
On Saturday, members of Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha and pro-Hindu organisations held a protest in Bidar to oppose and condemn the alleged incident. “The government should take strict action against those who have removed the sacred thread of students. So this is an attack on the Brahmin community and this should not happen because Brahmins also have equal status as per the Constitution of India and Brahmins should not be targeted. So we will meet the Chief Minister and submit a memorandum stating that Brahmins should also be respected and Brahmins should also get the necessary protection…” Raghunath, president of Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha, told ANI.
#WATCH | Bidar, Karnataka: Members of Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha and pro-Hindu organisations hold protest in Bidar after the students were made to remove sacred thread (Janeu) during the Karnataka CET exam centre pic.twitter.com/YgwicNfpVK
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2025
Meanwhile, a formal complaint has been lodged with National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights (NCPCR). According to reports, the two second-year PU students were stopped at the entrance and asked to remove their sacred threads. While one student complied, the other protested, as seen in a viral video.
College faculty members quickly intervened, allowed both students to enter the exam hall. They also instructed the guards not to trouble candidates over religious symbols, MSN reported. CCTV footage later reviewed by district officials confirmed the misconduct by the home guards. This led to their suspension.
The matter came to forefront after members of the Brahmin community lodged a complaint with the Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner. The controversy has also drawn reactions from the government. Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar called the incident “very unfortunate.” Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara also weighed in. “Forcing someone to remove janivara is a big mistake, and I don’t support it either. Students are instructed to follow the rules during the exam, but the officials will correct this,” he said, as quoted by MSN.
An FIR has been filed against the CET exam conducting officer under sections 115(2), 299, 351(1), and 352, read with section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
