Daijiworld Media Network- Bidar
Bidar, Apr 20: In a deeply distressing turn of events, multiple suspensions have been ordered across Karnataka after students were allegedly denied entry to write the Common Entrance Test (CET) for wearing the sacred thread (janivara/janeu). The incidents have sparked outrage and prompted swift action from district and education authorities.
In Shivamogga, two home guards were suspended following a controversial incident at Adichunchanagiri PU College on April 16. The action was taken on the instructions of the district-in-charge minister after a detailed report was submitted to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde confirmed the suspensions while speaking to the media. “The report has been submitted to KEA. The home guards have been suspended for their involvement in the janivara removal incident,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in Bidar, the Higher Education Department has suspended Chandrashekhar Biradar, Principal of Sai Spoorthi Pre-University College, and Satish Pawar, an invigilator at the same centre. This action followed a probe by Bidar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, whose report identified serious lapses in the handling of CET candidates wearing sacred threads.
According to the report, a CET aspirant was denied entry into the examination hall for refusing to remove the sacred thread. Sharma highlighted negligence on the part of Muddassir, an invigilator from Aurad, who allegedly failed to follow KEA guidelines and caused the candidate to miss the exam.
The incident triggered further concern when Shivamogga student Sachivrat Kulkarni came forward with an emotional appeal for justice. “I was allowed to write two exams, but was stopped for the Mathematics paper. I was asked to remove the sacred thread. When I refused, I was told I wouldn’t be allowed inside,” he said.
Sachivrat added that a staff member made a disturbing comment, questioning what would happen if someone attempted suicide using the sacred thread. “I’ve lost a precious year of my life due to this. It has caused immense pain to me and my family,” he stated, demanding accountability.
Another student from Shivamogga recounted a shocking incident where his sacred thread was allegedly cut by the exam authorities, leading to severe mental trauma.
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and a police complaint has also been lodged against an official from the Education Department over the alleged discrimination during CET.
The series of incidents has sparked a state-wide debate on religious freedoms, student rights, and the conduct of examination authorities, with growing calls for accountability and justice.