Row erupts after Sikh woman asked to remove turban during MPPSC exam in Ratlam

A controversy erupted in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh after an Amritdhari Sikh woman appearing for a Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) examination was allegedly asked to remove her turban during a security check at the exam centre. The incident took place on Sunday at a school designated as a centre for the state-level recruitment examination.

According to reports, the candidate, identified as Gurleen Kaur, was asked by a woman staff member to remove her dumala (turban) during frisking before entering the examination hall. As an initiated Sikh, wearing the turban is part of her religious identity, and the request triggered strong objections from members of the Sikh community.

After the incident came to light, several members of the local Sikh community gathered outside the examination centre and protested, calling the action disrespectful to their religious beliefs. Police and local administrative officials soon arrived at the scene to manage the situation and hold discussions with community representatives.

Following talks between authorities and Sikh leaders, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Prateek Sonkar and centre superintendent Subhash Kumawat publicly expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the community. After the apology, both sides said the issue had been resolved.