Bidar: Two officials of Sai Spoorthi Pre-University College in Bidar have been suspended after a student alleged he was denied entry to the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) for refusing to remove his Janivara, a sacred thread traditionally worn by Hindu men.
The student, Suchivrat Kulkarni, was scheduled to appear for the Mathematics paper of the Undergraduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) on April 17. He claimed that invigilators at the college prevented him from entering the examination hall unless he removed or cut the thread.
"I pleaded with them for 45 minutes," Suchivrat told reporters, adding that despite his repeated requests, he was not allowed to take the exam. "They said I could only write the exam if I removed my Janeu. I want the government to either allow me to reappear or grant me a seat in a government college," he said.
Following a complaint, the Bidar district administration launched an inquiry into the incident. Bidar Deputy Commissioner directed the suspension of the college principal Chandra Shekar Biradar and staff member Satish Pawar pending further investigation.
The management of the college, Sai Deepa Education and Charitable Trust, held an emergency meeting on April 19 and formally endorsed the suspension of the two officials.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from the student's family and the public. Suchivrat's mother, Neeta Kulkarni, expressed anguish over her son's treatment. "He was heartbroken. He was told to cut off his Janivara or go home," she said, urging the state government to intervene.
"We appeal to the authorities to ensure justice is done. Either a re-exam should be held or he should be granted a seat in a good college, along with financial assistance," she added.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.
