NEET 2025 candidate asked to remove Sacred Thread at exam centre, 2 arrested
Karnataka- The National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Graduate (NEET UG) was held on May 4. After the exam day, 2 persons have been arrested in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, for asking a candidate to remove the "janivara" (sacred thread worn by Brahmins) before entering the examination hall.
The incident took place at St Mary's School exam centre.
Based on the complaint, an FIR was lodged against two employees posted at the centre, who allegedly asked the student to remove the thread. Candidates were asked to either remove the sacred thread or cut it before entering the examination hall. The two people mentioned in the FIR are employees of an agency and were appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for search duty.
Speaking to PTI, Kalaburagi City Police Commissioner Sharanappa SD said, “In connection with the Janivara incident at a private examination centre during yesterday's NEET exam, the candidate has complained about two people. We have taken the case. The staff were questioned and legal action has been taken against them. The arrest format is also done”.
Both men were arrested on Sunday evening and later released on bail as it was a bailable offence. However, investigations are currently underway to ascertain the role of other people and ensure that the staff are properly informed about their duties.
Meanwhile, members of the Brahmin community on Sunday protested outside the NEET examination centre here and demanded accountability after some students from the community were asked to remove their "sacred thread" before entering the examination hall.
Advocate Raghavendra Kulkarni, who joined the protest, called the action an "insult to Hindus who wear the sacred thread". "The student came here at 1.30 am to take a national-level exam. But the staff enforced a rule that bars entry to anyone wearing a religious thread or symbol. This is not only inappropriate but also humiliating," he said.
