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Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Urban district administration has initiated action following the controversy over the alleged removal of ‘Janivara’ (sacred thread) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) at a private college in Madiwala.

District authorities stated that an inquiry has revealed the incident was carried out deliberately despite the presence of officials assigned to monitor the dress code. Based on the findings, the administration is preparing to recommend that no government examinations be conducted at Krupanidhi College in the future.

Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G. Jagadeesh said that three staff members have already been suspended in connection with the incident. A detailed report will be submitted to the government recommending that the college should not be used as a centre for government examinations going forward.

He said an investigation was conducted to identify those responsible for forcing students to remove the sacred thread during the CET exam. Although training had been provided regarding dress code guidelines, lapses in duty were identified. Officials found that the act was intentional, leading to disciplinary action against those involved.

The Deputy Commissioner added that the government has taken the issue seriously. Despite the appointment of officials to oversee dress code compliance, negligence was observed. He noted that instructions had clearly stated that such actions should not be taken.

Senior officials visited the college and conducted an inspection. CCTV footage and related documents were examined before submitting a report. The Akhila Bharata Brahmana Mahasangha has also submitted a memorandum, which will be forwarded to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). A decision on the demands mentioned in the memorandum will be taken by the government and KEA.

Complaint to Chief Minister

The Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha, which termed the incident a violation of religious freedom, submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister. The organisation demanded cancellation of the college’s licence and the imposition of a fine of Rs 25 lakh.

Demand for strict action

Members of the Akhila Bharata Brahmana Mahasangha submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on Monday, seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. They demanded strict action against those responsible and justice for the affected students.

The organisation also called for the cancellation of the CET examination centre status of Krupanidhi College in Madiwala. It further demanded the immediate suspension of the CET Cell head and the appointment of a responsible and qualified new officer in that position. The group also urged that the findings of the investigation be made public.

State president G.R. Pradeep, state general secretary Vishwanath Joshi, Poornima, Datta, Tanuja, Venu Gopal, Srinath and others were present during the submission of the memorandum.