Assam: Brahmin Community files complaint against college principal for asking student to remove 'sacred thread'

The All India Brahmin Front Assam State Committee has filed a complaint at Patacharkuchi police station against the Principal of Bhawanipur Regional College, Manas Chakraborty, following a contentious incident during the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) exam.

A candidate named Dhritiraj Vashishtha, who arrived at Bhawanipur Regional College to sit for the CUET exam on Wednesday, was allegedly subjected to an uncomfortable search procedure. He was purportedly asked to remove his sacred white thread, traditionally worn by Brahmin men, before being permitted entry into the examination hall.

Accompanied by his mother, Chandamita Sharma Goswami, and other family members, along with representatives from the All India Brahmin Front Assam state committee, including chief secretary Pabitra Kumar Sharma, joint secretary Sachin Sharma, organizing secretary Dilip Sharma, and executive member Ajit Sharma Baruah, Dhritiraj Vashishtha lodged an FIR at Patacharkuchi police station, demanding accountability and appropriate action against those responsible.

The incident has stirred controversy and raised questions about religious and cultural sensitivity during examination procedures. According to reports, while security personnel conducted searches in adherence to established guidelines, the removal of the sacred white thread from Brahmin examinees has sparked outrage.

The sacred white thread, known as lagun, janeu, yajnopavita, poita, poonul, jandhyam, or janivara yonya in various regions, holds profound religious and cultural significance for Hindu Brahmins. It symbolizes their initiation into sacred learning and spiritual discipline, making its removal during security checks a matter of deep concern and cultural sensitivity.