Bengaluru, April 18 (NationPress) The controversy over sacred thread removal in Karnataka is escalating, as a student who was unable to sit for the Common Entrance Test (CET) asserted that the examination centre staff refused him entry unless he removed his sacred thread (Janivara).

He also contended that the staff made callous remarks, questioning, “What if someone hangs themselves with the sacred thread?”

In response to this critical situation, the Congress government has issued an apology and promised to take action against the staff who barred entry to students wearing the sacred thread. Additionally, the government has pledged to implement strict guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.

Suchivruth Kulkarni, the student who was unable to take the CET exam, informed the media that he was stopped at Sai Spoorthi College in Bidar city on Thursday (April 17). He recounted how a staff member made an inappropriate comment, speculating on the consequences of suicide using the sacred thread inside the examination hall.

“When I inquired about the reason for my denied entry, the staff made careless and insensitive comments. I was permitted to take two exams but was barred from the Mathematics paper. They insisted I remove the sacred thread before entering the exam hall,” he explained.

“When I refused to comply, they informed me I would not be allowed in. They asked, ‘What if you commit suicide inside?’ This has caused me a significant setback. I’ve lost a precious year of my life, and this incident has inflicted great pain on both me and my family. We seek justice,” said Suchivruth.

In a similar incident, another student from Shivamogga reported that officials at his exam centre cut his sacred thread before granting him access to the exam. He stated this experience resulted in severe mental distress.

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Executive Director H. Prasanna recognized that the actions taken by the exam centre staff were inappropriate and clarified that KEA had not issued any directives requiring the removal of sacred threads.

“It was wrong for the staff to demand that students remove their sacred threads. KEA does not endorse such actions. We apologize for this incident. We will enforce strict guidelines to prevent future occurrences,” Prasanna stated.

He went on to clarify, “We will not create guidelines that discriminate against any caste or religion. A mistake has been made, and we will take measures to ensure it does not happen again. Let’s not exaggerate this matter, but rest assured that actions will be taken against those accountable. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to conduct an investigation, and actions will be based on their findings.”

Regarding Suchivruth's case, Prasanna added, “According to the rules, a student can still receive a ranking for engineering courses even if they miss the Mathematics exam. Justice will be served for the Bidar student. This was an error on our part, and we will ensure he receives a ranking.”

“A report will be requested from the Deputy Commissioner of Bidar, and the matter will be discussed with the Minister for Higher Education. We are dedicated to ensuring such mistakes are not repeated,” he mentioned.

In connection with the similar incident in Shivamogga, Prasanna stated, “It was inappropriate for staff to demand that students remove their sacred threads. I await a report from the Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner. We will introduce strict guidelines and ensure staff training to respect religious sentiments.”

Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar also addressed the controversy on Friday, asserting that the outrage expressed by Brahmin organizations regarding the denial of exam access to students wearing sacred threads was warranted.

“The responsibility lies with the relevant Deputy Commissioners. There is no rule requiring the removal of sacred threads to enter examination halls. Authorities in Shivamogga are denying the allegations, but I will uncover the truth. We are not naive enough to issue such a directive. If sacred threads were indeed removed, strict actions will follow. We do not condone such behaviors,” Minister Sudhakar asserted.

“We unequivocally oppose such incidents. Students should name the officials and centres involved. The community’s outrage is understandable. No one should act against religious sentiments. If the allegations are substantiated, we will take decisive action,” he added.

The situation involving Brahmin students allegedly being requested to remove their sacred thread (Janivara) by authorities before being allowed to participate in the Common Entrance Test (CET) has ignited significant controversy in Karnataka.

This incident, which became public on Friday, has elicited strong reactions from ministers and community organizations alike. Hindu groups have urged citizens to protest in the streets.