CET Janivara Row: Akhila Brahman Mahasabha Demands Karnataka CM Scrap College Affiliation.

Hurting Hindu Sentiments in Bengaluru CET Row: Brahmana Mahasabha Seeks Action Over ‘Janivara’ Removal, Demands College Affiliation Be Revoked.

B Upendran | HENB | Bengaluru | April 26, 2026:: A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after allegations surfaced that students were forced to remove their janivara (sacred thread) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) held on April 23 at a private pre-university (PU) college in Bengaluru. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from community groups and political leaders, prompting calls for strict action against the institution for hurting Hindu sentiments.

The Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding cancellation of the college’s affiliation and accreditation. The organisation has also sought a penalty of ₹25 lakh against the institution for allegedly violating students’ religious rights.

Allegations of Forced Removal During CET

According to the Mahasabha, at least three students were compelled by college authorities to remove their janivara—also known as Yajnopaveeta or Janeu—a sacred thread traditionally worn by Hindu males, particularly among Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. The students reportedly resisted the directive but were ultimately forced to comply.

Mahasabha president S. Raghunath termed the incident “unfortunate and condemnable,” alleging that such actions indicate a pattern of bias. He also claimed that when parents initially approached the Madiwala Police Station to file a complaint, there was hesitation from officials in registering the case.

Police Action and Arrests

Following mounting pressure, a formal complaint was lodged on April 24. The three affected students—Anand S. Theertha, Nakul H., and Anirudh R. Rao—reported the incident to authorities. Subsequently, police arrested three staff members of the college, identified as Sudhakar D., Saritha R., and Girijamma.

The college administration has since suspended the accused staffers pending further investigation.

Inquiry Ordered, Committee Formed

An inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident. The controversy comes despite prior guidelines issued by the Karnataka Examinations Authority, which had explicitly instructed examination centres not to force students to remove religious symbols during frisking procedures.

Officials noted that these guidelines were introduced after similar incidents in districts such as Shivamogga and Bidar last year, which had triggered widespread criticism.

Mahasabha Cites Repeated Violations

The Mahasabha pointed out that it had previously filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court over comparable incidents. According to Raghunath, the state government had then assured the court that preventive measures would be implemented.

“The recurrence of such incidents indicates that the government’s undertaking has not been effectively enforced,” he said, reiterating the demand for strict penalties and institutional accountability.

Political Reactions Intensify

The issue has also gained political traction, with senior BJP leaders stepping in. R. Ashok and Tejasvi Surya met Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on Froday to discuss the matter and press for swift action.

Broader Debate on Religious Rights

The incident has reignited debate over the balance between exam security protocols and the protection of religious freedoms. While authorities emphasize uniform procedures during competitive exams, critics argue that enforcing such measures without sensitivity to religious practices risks infringing on fundamental rights.

As investigations continue, the state government faces increasing pressure to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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_Agency Inputs.