Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga
Shivamogga, April 19: A police complaint was filed on Saturday against an officer of the Education Department for allegedly denying entry to students wearing the sacred thread (Janivara) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) held in Karnataka's Shivamogga district.
The complaint was lodged by Narataj Bhagavat, president of the Shivamogga District Brahmin Mahasabha, at the Doddapete Police Station in Shivamogga.
According to Bhagavat’s complaint, staff at the examination centre cut the sacred threads worn by Brahmin students before permitting them to take the CET.
“There is no rule mandating students to remove their sacred threads to appear for exams. Forcing Brahmin students to remove their sacred threads is an act of disrespect and an insult to the community. Strict action must be taken against the officer in charge of the examination centre,” the complaint read.
Amidst public outrage, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara commented, “It is a serious mistake. I do not agree with such an act. During exams, candidates are asked to follow certain guidelines, but this was an individual’s mistake, and society as a whole does not support it.”
Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil also condemned the incident, stating, “Whoever was responsible for not allowing students to wear the sacred thread to exams acted on personal bias. We strongly condemn this. Strict action will be taken against the individual. No particular religion or community should be targeted – it is a serious mistake. Along with action against the staffer, I urge the concerned minister to rectify the injustice done to the student.”
The Karnataka BJP has called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue a public apology over the incident.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka sharply criticised the government, saying, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who once displayed hatred upon seeing ‘Kumkum’ and ‘Kesari’ (saffron), has now once again revealed his ‘anti-Hindu’ mindset by expressing hostility towards the sacred thread (Janivara).”
Ashoka further alleged that in Bidar, the Congress-led Karnataka government “ruined the future of a student” by denying him entry into the CET after he refused to remove his sacred thread.
He also noted that the act was not only an insult to Brahmins, but also to Maratha and Vysya communities, who traditionally wear the sacred thread.