Three CET Students Forced to Remove Janivara in Bengaluru

Three students appearing for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test were compelled to remove their janivara sacred threads by staff at Krupanidhi College in Bengaluru's Koramangala area on April 23, the first day of the two-day examination for professional course admissions.

The affected students, Anand S Theertha, Nakul H, and Anirudh R Rao, initially refused the instruction, citing religious significance, but complied under threat of being denied entry to the exam hall. The janivara, a thread worn by members of certain Hindu communities after a traditional upanayana ritual, is considered a symbol of spiritual and cultural identity. Parents of the students filed a police complaint at Madiwala station the following morning, alleging violation of Karnataka Examinations Authority guidelines that explicitly prohibit the removal of religious items such as janivara or linga.

Anirudh's father, Raghu Bhima Rao, stated in the complaint that his son faced warnings and emotional distress, adding, "This is unacceptable and against KEA guidelines. It violates personal choice and religious freedom." Nakul's father, Harish, recounted that his son was first asked to remove an earring and a wrist...