Row after Brahmin students asked to remove sacred thread at Bengaluru CET centre

A controversy erupted at a college in Bengaluru after five Brahmin students were allegedly asked to remove their sacred threads (Janeu/Yajnopaveetha) before entering the hall to write the CET (Common Entrance Test) held there. The incident happened on the first day of the exams.

Following complaints from parents, the police registered an FIR under sections related to disturbing communal harmony under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Furthermore, three professors of the college have been suspended.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

The BJP used the incident to slam the Congress-led Karnataka government, calling it "anti-Hindu". The state government has ordered a probe into the matter.

"When I went to the examination centre, the teachers got my ear ring removed. I can still understand that because no metal is allowed, but they also forced me to get the sacred thread removed from the body," a student was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Left with no other option, the student adhered to the instruction of the invigilators.

The PTI report said that following the incident, the parents arrived at the CET centre and questioned the motive behind the action. They argued that there were standing instructions not to remove the sacred thread.

Last year, when a similar controversy happened, the government said that the sacred thread would not be removed during the CET.

Other students alleged that the red and yellow sacred threat, tied to one's wrist (Mauli/Kalava) was also removed by the invigilators.

Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar termed the incident unfortunate. "I have already received a letter from the institution stating that they have suspended three individuals, and they have sent this communication to our department today," he said.

"I am personally treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. I have already issued instructions to our departmental officials," the minister told reporters in Bengaluru.

He also said that a review will be carried out to determine strict punishments under the law against those responsible for such actions.

"Furthermore, from next year onwards, we must clearly inform everyone in advance about this issue, including what level of punishment can be imposed within the legal framework, and ensure that this is communicated widely," Sudhakar said.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, claimed that the "anti-Hindu acts" of the Congress government, such as forcing the removal of 'Mangalasutra' and 'Janivara' are continuing unabated.

"Last year, during the CET and NEET examinations, the Congress government had cut off janivara (sacred thread) and made candidates remove mangalsutra during the KPSC examination in order to appear for the test. This year too, it has continued the same old practice," he tweeted.

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