Bidar district in-charge minister Eshwar B. Khandre, on April 20, assured that Suchivruth Kulkarni, a student who was unable to sit for the CET mathematics exam due to the removal of his Janivar, will be granted free admission to the Bhalki Engineering College.
On April 20 morning, Minister Khandre visited the student’s home alongside Minister Rahim Khan to uplift Sujavrath and his family’s spirits. He expressed that such lapses by the staff of private colleges are distressing and emphasized the need to take precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This was an unfortunate incident that should not have occurred,” he remarked.
Minister Khandre instructed the district authorities to conduct an immediate inquiry upon learning about the situation, mandating that a report be submitted within 24 hours. Based on that report, strict action will be taken against those responsible for this incident.
Khandre stated that it is important for the student’s educational future not to be hindered, thus reaffirming the commitment to provide free seats at Bhalki Engineering College. He also mentioned that options for allowing Sujavrath to take the exam separately are being explored and that he has discussed this matter with the Higher Education Minister. Furthermore, he clarified that the student has the opportunity to sit for the COMEDK exam as well. He assured that support would be provided if a seat was secured, emphasizing that the government would stand with the student and his family.
Another incident came to light in Sagara
In yet another deeply disturbing incident that raises serious questions about religious sensitivity, individual dignity, and the conduct of examination authorities, a student appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET) in Sagara Shivamogga district, was allegedly forced to remove and surrender his traditional Janiwar with reports now confirming that exam authorities cut it off.
This shocking episode came to light on April 19 evening, days after similar incidents in Bidar and Shivamogga, where students wearing Janiwar hats were denied entry to CET examination centres unless they removed their religious headgear. The latest incident, involving a young student named Partha S. Rao, has sparked widespread condemnation and demands for accountability from across the state.
Police complaint filed
According to the complaint filed by Partha’s father, Srinivas, a resident of Haleikkeri village in Sagar taluk, his son appeared for the CET examination on Wednesday, April 16, at the Government Undergraduate College in Sagar.
“When my son approached the exam center, security personnel stationed outside the hall took notice of his Janiwar hat. They questioned him, asking, ‘Are you a Brahmin?’ and then declared that he would not be allowed to take the exam unless he removed it,” Srinivas recounted in the complaint.
Partha, visibly shocked and distressed, tried to explain the religious and cultural significance of the hat. However, his objections were reportedly dismissed. What followed was an appalling act: the hat was forcibly cut and discarded, and he was only allowed to enter the examination hall.
The student, demoralized and emotionally disturbed by the humiliation, returned home and confided in his family only days later. Outraged by the incident, Srinivas approached the Peta Police Station on Saturday and filed a formal complaint demanding legal action against the security staff, examination supervisors, and any officials involved.
Condemnation and Concern
This incident has sparked strong condemnation from civil society, student unions, and community leaders, who see this as not just an attack on an individual’s rights, but on the broader principle of religious freedom and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
“To deny or restrict access to education based on attire that holds religious or cultural significance is an unconstitutional and discriminatory act,” said a local rights activist. “The manner in which the student was humiliated — his faith questioned, and his religious symbol destroyed — is simply unacceptable.”
Critics have also slammed the Education Department and the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for failing to issue clear, sensitive guidelines that prevent such incidents during statewide entrance exams. The lack of awareness or training among examination staff is a major cause of repeated occurrences.
Legal Action Demanded
In his police complaint, Srinivas has demanded that those responsible — including security personnel and the centre’s chief supervisors — be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for hurting religious sentiments and violating the student’s dignity. He has also urged authorities to issue a public apology and initiate departmental inquiries to ensure accountability.
This incident comes on the heels of protests across the state following similar cases in Bidar and Shivamogga, where students were barred from entering exam centres unless they removed their traditional headgear. Many question whether there is an emerging pattern of insensitivity and bias targeting specific communities.
Activists and community leaders have demanded urgent policy-level changes to safeguard the rights of students belonging to all religious backgrounds. Several organizations have announced plans to hold peaceful protests, demanding action from the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.
Principal and staff suspended
The incident ignited widespread outrage and led to immediate action against the officials involved. This situation unfolded when a student who had travelled to participate in the CET could not sit for the exam due to alleged procedural violations surrounding an absence.
In light of this event, the Bidar District Magistrate conducted a thorough investigation and promptly submitted a detailed report to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The report concluded that the exam officials had acted inappropriately, suspending the principal and certain staff members at Sai Spurthi Pre-University College, where the exam incident occurred.
Immediate Consequences for College Officials
The Secretary of the Higher Education Department, K.G. Jagadish, swiftly acted on the District Magistrate’s report’s findings, dismissing the principal, Chandrashekhar Biradar, and the inspection staff member, Satish Pawar. “These actions have been taken in response to the neglect exhibited by the college staff on duty, particularly concerning the invigilation of the CET,” Jagadish stated.
By classifying Sai Supriya Pre-University College as a private institution falling under the purview of the School Education (Pre-University) Department, the government ensured that both immediate and disciplinary measures were enforced. The college management has been directed to initiate a comprehensive review for further punitive action against involved staff members.
Insights from the District Magistrate’s Report
The findings from the District Magistrate, whose investigation was initiated due to public outcry, highlighted critical failures by examination authorities. The report specified that the Aurad RFO, Mudashir, who served as the examination observer, failed to adhere to the protocols laid out by KEA. This negligence prevented the student from taking the exam and reverberated through the local community, drawing significant criticism.
According to sources, the examinee arrived early and awaited instructions, yet was ultimately denied the opportunity to participate in a crucial examination for many aspiring students seeking higher education in Karnataka. The District Magistrate made it abundantly clear that the mismanagement of examination protocols reflected poorly on the administration overseeing these processes.
