KCET Controversy: 3 Bengaluru college staff suspended over ‘janivara’ removal case

Three staff members of Krupanidhi Pre-University College in Bengaluru were suspended on Friday (April 24) after a complaint was filed alleging that a Karnataka Common Entrance Test, KCET 2026 candidate was not allowed to enter the examination hall unless he removed his janivara (sacred thread). This triggered accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

As flagged in the complaint, the incident happened on April 23 when the candidate arrived at the Krupanidhi PU College centre to appear for KCET. The staff on duty allegedly instructed him to remove his janivara before allowing entry into the exam hall. The candidate later removed the thread and appeared in the exam.

Probe underway

Following the incident, he approached the Madiwala police station on April 24 and lodged a complaint that this act hurt his religious sentiments. Police registered a case and initiated an inquiry. The staff members, Sudhakar D, Girijamma and Saritha R, were questioned as part of the probe.

The college subsequently suspended all three employees pending inquiry. The suspension order stated that they had been placed under immediate suspension and directed not to report to duty until further notice. The action has been termed a precautionary measure and not a final determination of guilt.

Addressing the same, Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar told ANI, "During the CET exam, a few boys were asked to remove their sacred thread. Officials called this deeply troubling, noting similar incidents last year that had already drawn statewide attention and strict instructions. Despite clear guidelines and special officers deployed to oversee dress codes, the issue has repeated, raising doubts about whether it was intentional."

He added, "The government described the act as a violation of human rights and privacy, stressing that no student should be forced to choose between faith and education. A complaint has been directed to be filed against the exam centre management, and the Deputy Commissioner has been asked to take action. Authorities are also examining legal provisions to ensure stricter enforcement so that such incidents do not repeat in future examinations."

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) clarified that KCET Physics and Chemistry exams were conducted on April 23 across 745 centres, including Krupanidhi PU College.