Bengaluru, April 24, 2026: The administration of Krupanidhi Pre-University College has suspended three staff members following a controversy where students were allegedly forced to remove their sacred threads (Janivara) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) 2026.

The incident occurred on April 23 during the Physics and Chemistry sessions. A candidate appearing for the exam alleged that despite having no metallic objects, officials inspected under his clothing and demanded the removal of his religious thread. The student expressed that the incident caused him immense mental agony, affecting his performance in the exam.

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Reports suggest that at least three to four other candidates faced similar harassment at the same centre. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has taken strong exception to this, stating that explicit guidelines were provided during training to ensure religious symbols like the sacred thread and Lingayat Ishtalinga are not disturbed.

Action Taken: Following the uproar, Krupanidhi PU College Principal Ashim Afzal issued suspension orders for three personnel identified as Mr. Sudhakar, Mrs. Saritha, and Mrs. Girijamma. The KEA has characterized the violation as a “prima facie intentional act.”

Furthermore, the Madiwala Police have registered an FIR against the involved staff for the alleged violation of religious freedoms and harassment. The KEA has also reached out to the District Collector of Bengaluru City seeking a thorough inquiry into the lapse.

GangolliNews