FIR Filed Over Sacred Thread Controversy at CET Centre in Shivamogga
Shivamogga, Karnataka – A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against officials at Adichunchanagiri PU College, a Common Entrance Test (CET) examination centre, after allegations surfaced that students were asked to remove their ‘Janivaras’ (sacred thread traditionally worn by Brahmins) before being allowed to write the exam.
The complaint was filed on Friday by Natraj Bhagavath from the Karnataka Brahmin Sabha, following which Shivamogga police registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Charges include:
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Section 115(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt
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Section 299 – Intent to outrage religious feelings
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Section 351(1) – Criminal intimidation
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Section 352 – Intentional insult to provoke breach of peace
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Section 3(5) – Common intention
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, when three students were allegedly asked by security staff to remove their Janivaras. One student reportedly refused and was still permitted to write the exam, while two others complied and removed them.
Despite the matter being raised with the district administration, no immediate action was taken, sparking outrage within the community. The controversy gained further momentum with Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar assuring action after preliminary reports.
College authorities have distanced themselves, stating their premises were merely rented for the exam and they had no role in the conduct of CET. Meanwhile, exam staff have claimed only Kashi Dhara (wrist threads) were asked to be removed—not Janivaras.
A detailed inquiry is underway.
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