Karnataka sacred thread row: Bidar principal, clerk sacked for barring candidate from KCET exam

However, Kulkarni took the physics and chemistry tests on April 16 at the same centre while wearing the sacred thread, exposing the inconsistency in ‘rule enforcement’. The deputy commissioner’s report recommended disciplinary action against the duo and remedial measures for the student.

However, the government has not yet made any decision regarding giving the student a second attempt. An education official said, “The student would receive a ranking for engineering courses despite missing the mathematics exam, pending discussions with Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar. Further, the minister will take up the matter with the chief minister before deciding on the re-examination, to ensure fairness for all and justice to the student.”

Shivamogga: Home guards suspended

Meanwhile, in Shivamogga, home guards Raghu D and Kalavati have been suspended over the sacred thread row. According to the interim report submitted to KEA by Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade, it was observed that the home guards instructed a student appearing for the morning session of the examination on April 16 to remove the sacred thread. The student voluntarily removed the thread and proceeded to take the examination. However, the report refuted claims that the home guard forcibly removed the sacred thread and denied entry to the student.

The report further stated that two other students later approached the exam hall wearing the sacred thread. At that time, the principal of Sri Adichunchanagiri Composite English Medium High School sought clarification from the deputy director of pre-university over the phone, and upon receiving it, permitted the students to appear for the examination without removing the thread.

The report also found that the afternoon session (Chemistry) on April 16, as well as the examination held on April 17, proceeded at the same examination centre without any disruption.

The DC’s report reads, “Preliminary findings suggest that although the CET guidelines did not include any instruction regarding the removal of religious symbols or attire, the Home Guards on duty at the center had asked students to remove their Janiwara at the start of the examination. This action was due to a lack of awareness on their part. Accordingly, a letter has been sent to the Commandant of Home Guards, seeking disciplinary action against the negligent personnel. Additionally, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against them.”

Meanwhile, the Shivamogga police have also booked unnamed CET officials in this case, based on the complaint filed by Nataraj Bhagavath, a CET candidate. He had alleged that the examination centre authorities cut the sacred threads worn by students. The authorities reportedly threatened to bar students from entering the examination hall if they wore the sacred thread. The complainant has alleged that examination centre authorities cut the sacred threads worn by students and discarded them in the trash can. The authorities reportedly threatened to bar students from entering the examination hall if they wore the sacred thread. The Shivamogga police are currently investigating the incident.

The Opposition BJP has dubbed the sacred thread row as disrespectful to religious sentiments. Members of the Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha and various pro-Hindu organisations held a protest rally in Bidar on Saturday.