Karnataka students allegedly forced to remove sacred threads at CET exam centre, sparks outrage

According to a report by Deccan Herald, the incident occurred on April 16 at Aadichunchanagiri Independent PU College in Shivamogga, one of the designated centres for the CET.

Security personnel stationed at the venue asked three second PU students to remove their Janivara before entering the exam hall, the report stated, quoting members of the Brahmin community.

The community also alleged that students were asked to remove Kashi Dara, a sacred wrist thread, as part of the security screening.

In response to the complaint, DC Gurudatta Hegde has assured that the matter would be investigated.

He said that while security protocols during exams require students to remove electronic devices such as Bluetooth gadgets, no instructions were issued to force the removal of religious symbols like the Janivara, the report said.

The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, where users questioned the logic behind the move.

“Why should a Janivara be removed for CET?” asked one user, pointing out that the sacred thread, like the Sikh turban or Kirpan, holds religious significance and is a marker of Hindu identity.

Some even wondered how the thread, typically worn beneath a shirt and not visible externally, drew the attention of the security staff.

“It’s not even visible, did they single him out because he’s a Brahmin?” a user questioned.