Karnataka: Brahmin Mahasabha Lodges Police Complaint Over Removal of Sacred Thread Before CET Exam
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Synopsis
In Karnataka, a police complaint has been filed against an education officer for allegedly forcing students to remove their sacred threads before entering the CET exam hall. The incident has drawn significant criticism from local leaders and community organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Police complaint against an education officer.
- Students denied entry for wearing sacred threads.
- Community leaders demand strict action.
- Government officials condemn the act as a mistake.
- Calls for an apology from the Chief Minister.
Shivamogga, April 19 (NationPress) A police complaint has been lodged against an officer from the Education Department on Saturday, accused of preventing students from entering the examination hall while wearing the sacred thread (Janivara) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) in Karnataka's Shivamogga district.
The complaint was filed by Narataj Bhagavat, the President of the Shivamogga District Brahmin Mahasabha, at the Doddapet Police Station in Shivamogga.
Bhagavat claimed that staff members at the examination center forcibly cut the sacred threads of Brahmin students prior to their entry for the CET.
"There is no regulation that requires students to remove their sacred threads to take exams. Forcing Brahmin students to take off their sacred threads is an act of disrespect and insults the community. Immediate action should be taken against the officer in charge of the examination center," the complaint detailed.
In light of the controversy, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked on Saturday, "This is a serious error. I do not condone such an act. While candidates are expected to adhere to certain guidelines during exams, this was a mistake made by an individual and is not supported by society at large."
Large and Medium Industries Minister M. B. Patil stated, "The individual responsible for barring students from wearing their sacred threads during exams acted out of personal bias. We strongly denounce this. Action will be taken against the individual. No religion or community should be singled out - this is a grave error. In addition to action against the staff member, I call on the relevant minister to rectify the injustice faced by the student."
The Karnataka BJP has called for an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the matter.
Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly R. Ashoka criticized the Congress-led state government, stating, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who once exhibited disdain upon seeing 'Kumkum' and 'Kesari' (saffron), has once again shown his 'anti-Hindu' attitude by demonstrating hostility towards the sacred thread (Janivara)."
Ashoka further claimed that in Bidar, this "anti-Hindu" Congress-led Karnataka government jeopardized a student's future by denying him entry to an exam because he refused to remove his sacred thread.
He emphasized that the sacred thread is worn not only by Brahmins but also by Marathas and Vaishya communities, all of whom have been insulted.
