Guwahati: The Assam administration has ordered an inquiry after a Brahmin student was allegedly forced to remove his sacred thread (Janeu) during security screening at a NEET re-test examination centre in Nalbari district, triggering public outrage and raising concerns over the conduct of security personnel deployed at examination venues.
According to officials, the incident occurred during the frisking process before the examination. The student was reportedly asked to remove his sacred thread despite there being no official guideline requiring candidates to do so. Following complaints from the student’s family and widespread criticism, the district administration launched an investigation into the matter.
Based on the findings of a preliminary inquiry, Nalbari Superintendent of Police Vivekananda Das removed constable Pawan Kalita of Belsor Police Station from active duty and attached him to the police headquarters pending further investigation. The role of DSP (Security and Intelligence) Kusum Basumatary, who was on duty at the examination centre, is also under scrutiny. Authorities said any action against the officer would depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
Nalbari District Commissioner Nibedan Das Patowary clarified that examination officials and security personnel had been briefed in advance regarding the items permitted and prohibited inside the examination centre. He emphasized that no instruction had been issued requiring candidates to remove religious symbols such as the sacred thread.
To identify those responsible, the district administration conducted an identification parade involving all police personnel and members of the search team deployed at the centre. The student reportedly identified the constable and another officer involved in the incident. Officials said both personnel later apologized for their actions.
The student’s mother stated that the family was aware of the examination regulations and had already replaced the sacred thread before the test, removing any metal components attached to it. Despite this, security personnel allegedly compelled the student to remove the thread, causing him significant distress and anxiety immediately before the examination.
Authorities have assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.
