neet-re-exam-row-over-hijab-sacred-thread-at-ahmedabad-centre

A brief commotion was reported outside a NEET-UG re-test centre in Ahmedabad on Sunday after objections were raised over frisking procedures involving removal of religious symbols, even as the examination proceeded peacefully inside the venue.

 

According to police, the incident occurred outside a centre in the Vastrapur area when some parents objected to students being asked to remove ‘kanthi’ (Hindu sacred threads) during security checks, while female candidates wearing hijab were allowed entry after screening.

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Jayesh Brahmbhatt said the issue arose due to a misunderstanding of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) dress code and frisking guidelines.

 

He said centre staff had asked candidates to remove certain accessories, including sacred threads and other items, as part of the prescribed security protocol.

 

Some parents objected, alleging inconsistency in the application of rules for different students, leading to a brief escalation of tension outside the centre. Members of a Hindu organisation and representatives of AIMIM were also present at the spot, police said.

 

Police intervened quickly and explained the NTA guidelines to those gathered outside, following which the situation was brought under control.

 

“Two individuals associated with a Hindu organisation were brought to the police station after creating a disturbance near the examination venue. They were provided with an explanation of the situation and later released,” ACP Brahmbhatt said, adding that they were neither detained nor arrested.

 

Officials maintained that examination authorities were strictly implementing NTA-prescribed dress code and frisking rules, and that confusion among parents led to the dispute.

 

After clarification, the situation returned to normal and the examination continued without disruption.

 

In Ahmedabad, around 10,445 candidates appeared for the re-test across 23 centres, conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm.

 

The NEET-UG re-test is being held after the cancellation of the earlier May 3 examination amid an ongoing probe into an alleged question paper leak.