Controversy erupted at a Bengaluru college after several students were asked to remove their sacred threads before being allowed to enter the Common Entrance Test examination hall.
The incident took place at Krupanidhi College in Madivala, sparking a wider debate on balancing strict exam security protocols with respect for religious beliefs. According to complaints filed by parents, at least five Brahmin students were reportedly forced to remove their janeu (sacred thread) before entering the exam hall.
Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an investigation, including examining whether there was any attempt to disturb communal harmony. Meanwhile, the college has suspended three professors pending an internal inquiry.
The issue has quickly taken a political turn, with the Bharatiya Janata Party criticizing the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of being insensitive toward Hindu sentiments. In response, the state government has ordered a separate probe into the matter.
Students affected by the incident have expressed distress. One student said he was stopped at the entrance due to his janeu and was asked to remove it, ultimately missing the exam. He claimed that around seven students faced similar instructions, leaving them upset and unable to focus on the test. Some students also alleged that even yellow sacred threads worn on the wrist were objected to.
The controversy echoes a similar incident last year, when authorities had assured that religious threads would not be an issue during CET exams. The recurrence has raised questions about the implementation of those assurances.
Karnataka Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar acknowledged the incident, stating that despite guidelines and the presence of designated officers to enforce dress code rules, such lapses occurred. He suggested the possibility of deliberate action and emphasized that students should not be forced to choose between their faith and education.
He added that complaints have been filed against the exam centre authorities, and the Deputy Commissioner has been directed to take appropriate action. The government is also reviewing existing rules to prevent such incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, there are growing calls for clearer guidelines and more sensitive enforcement of exam regulations to ensure that students can appear for crucial tests like the CET without unnecessary distress.
