'Janivara cut' row rocks Dharwad

Dharwad: Days after the Janivara row rocked the department of collegiate education, several fresh cases of similar incidents have come to light in Dharwad city. Students have complained that they were asked to remove not only the Janivara but also the Lingadakai (sacred linga worn by Lingayats). While female students said that they were asked to remove the wrist thread, hairbands and hair clips.These incidents unfolded after a student Nandan Yeri, who appeared for CET at Hurkadliajja Education Society's Jigaluru college in Dharwad, was asked to remove the Janivara, by the staff on exam duty, before entering the examination hall on the first day of the CET."I told the staff that I would remove the Janivara and keep it in my bag. However, the staff cut the Janivara and gave it to me before allowing me to enter the examination hall," Nandan said.His father Vivek Yeri asked what sense it makes to cut the Janivara and give it back to him. "This is atrocious and deliberately done to humiliate the student. Because of this incident, Nandan could not concentrate on his papers. Who will be held accountable for this?," the father questioned.In another incident, a Lingayat student, Mrudayankmouli Mathad who appeared for the exam at Gurukul College near Dasanakoppa circle in Dharwad, was also asked to remove the Lingadakai before entering the examination hall. When the student refused, the staff asked him to show the Lingadakai to confirm that there were no device hidden in it, only after that he was allowed to write the paper.These incidents evoked a sharp response from public. Members of Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha and Dharwad taluk Brahmana Sangha protested, and submitted a memorandum to the DC and tahsildar, demanding an explanation from the KEA.