Mon Apr 21 13:37:12 UTC 2025: ## Protest Erupts in Karnataka Over Alleged Removal of Sacred Threads from CET Candidates
**Belagavi, Karnataka – April 21, 2025** – Members of the Sri Ram Sene staged protests in Dharwad on Sunday, alleging that police personnel forcibly removed the sacred thread, or *Janivara*, from a Common Entrance Test (CET) candidate. The incident, reportedly involving a student named Nandan Vivek, sparked outrage among the Brahmin community and other groups. Protesters blocked the Dharwad-Belagavi Road for a period before being taken into custody and later released.
Sri Ram Sene founder Pramod Mutalik visited Vivek’s family and stated that similar incidents had occurred in Shivamogga and Bidar. He accused the Congress government of targeting high-achieving students and condemned the rule prohibiting the wearing of religious threads during the CET as “stupid and meaningless.” Mutalik also claimed that students were forced to remove other religious items like *Lingadakai*, wrist threads, and hair accessories.
He demanded action against the police and examination officials involved and criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s silence on the matter. Brahmin organizations also protested at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding action.
Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has ordered an inquiry into the incident by the Deputy Director of Pre-University Education. The inquiry is expected to shed light on the allegations and determine whether police actions violated the rights of the students. The incident has raised concerns about religious freedom and the fairness of examination procedures in Karnataka.
First Piper 