An FIR has been registered against a Common Entrance Test (CET) exam official in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district after reports emerged that students were allegedly asked to remove their sacred thread (Janeu) before appearing for the exam, police said on Friday.
The incident took place at the Adichunchanagiri School exam center in Sharavathinagara. The complaint, filed by Nataraj Bhagavath, led to the FIR being registered under sections 115(2), 299, 351(1), and 352 of the BNS, 2023, including section 3(5), officials confirmed.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the facts surrounding the allegations that students were instructed to remove religious symbols before entering the exam hall.
Karnataka Higher Education Minister Dr. MC Sudhakar called the incident “very unfortunate” and revealed that similar complaints were also received from another exam centre in Bidar.
“This incident is very unfortunate. It happened not only in Shivamogga but also in Bidar. The process went smoothly at other centres. Those responsible for checking or frisking were never instructed to remove such religious items,” he told ANI.
He emphasized that the state government respects all religions and their practices. “We are not going to accept this, and we are going to take action,” the minister stated.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), which oversees the CET, has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident. Further updates are awaited.
