Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi, May 4: Despite previous backlash and government assurances, yet another student was allegedly forced to remove his sacred thread (janivara) before entering the NEET examination centre in Kalaburagi on Sunday, sparking fresh protests and anger from the Brahmin community.

The incident occurred at St Mary’s Examination Centre, where Shripad Patil, a student from Chincholi, arrived to take the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for medical admissions. During the security frisking, he was reportedly told that unless he removed his janivara, he would not be allowed to enter the hall.

Representational image

“I was stopped at the gate and told directly — take it off or go back. I had no choice. I didn’t want to lose a year, so I removed it and went in,” said Shripad, recounting the emotional dilemma.

The incident has caused widespread uproar, not only because of its sensitive nature but because it comes just weeks after a similar controversy during the CET on April 16, where students at multiple centres were also reportedly asked to remove their sacred threads. That incident led to government intervention, including police action against officials involved and official instructions issued to examination centres.

However, Sunday’s repeat has led many to accuse the government and authorities of failing to enforce their own safeguards.

Soon after news of the incident broke, hundreds of members from the Brahmin community staged a sit-in protest outside the exam centre, demanding action. Slogans were raised accusing the authorities of religious insensitivity and repeated humiliation.

Protesters said this was not an isolated case and alleged that three to five Brahmin students were subjected to similar treatment across Kalaburagi. In some cases, they claim, the sacred threads were forcibly cut.

“The "janivara" is not jewellery — it is a sacred religious symbol. Forcing students to remove it is an insult to our faith,” said a protester. “We were told this would not happen again, and yet it has.”

Community leaders demanded a public apology, disciplinary action against the invigilators involved, and written assurances from the education department that such incidents would not be repeated in future exams.

Education department officials have confirmed that the matter is under internal investigation and said it is being taken “seriously.” No official statement had been released at the time of publication.

With emotions running high, community representatives have warned that if corrective measures are not taken swiftly, they will launch statewide protests.