The removal of a female doctor’s hijab by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar publicly in an event has drawn sharp criticism nationwide. Social and religious leaders, including Bhopal’s Naib Shahar Qazi Maulana Ali Qadar, denounced the incident as a violation of women’s dignity and a serious social issue. Incident at the appointment ceremony The event took place while CM Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors. After handing the letter to Dr Nusrat, a female doctor, he pointed at her hijab and said, “Remove it.” The woman replied politely that it was her hijab. Despite this, the Chief Minister removed it himself. Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary attempted to stop him by pulling his sleeve. Those around laughed. The officials handed the appointment letter back to the woman, who left the stage feeling uncomfortable. Maulana Ali Qadar speaks out Naib Shahar Qazi Maulana Ali Qadar strongly criticised the act. He said it was not a political or communal matter but a question of women’s dignity and identity. He added that India is a country where Hindus, Muslims, and people of all religions live together. Women are respected as goddesses in Hindu society, while hijab is a religious identity for Muslim women. Publicly removing it is an attack on their honour. ‘A scene reminiscent of Draupadi’s disrobing’ Maulana Ali Qadar compared the incident to the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata. He said anyone following the ideals of Ram and Krishna would never behave this way. Those who do such acts are, according to him, followers of Duryodhana’s ideology, symbolising moral degradation. The Maulana explained that the issue is not just the hijab. Any action publicly targeting a woman’s attire is a direct attack on her dignity. In Islam, hijab represents a woman’s modesty and identity. Removing it forcibly is shameful and unacceptable. ‘Act harmed India’s image’ The incident has been widely reported internationally. Maulana Ali Qadar noted that even countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Arab nations are discussing the act. This harms India’s image globally. The Maulana highlighted that women from all communities, not only Muslims, are outraged. Hindu women are equally hurt that a high-ranking official could behave in such a manner. He criticised how political considerations overshadowed human sensitivity. The mockery and laughter at the event showed disregard for women’s dignity. Test for India’s justice system Following the FIR, Maulana Ali Qadar said this incident is a test for the justice system. The person responsible holds a powerful position. Only impartial investigation and legal action will restore public trust. See the entire sequence unfold in 3 pictures – Post navigation Elephant tiger corridor altered for Singrauli mine:18 rare species at risk due to deforestation, check how the map was altered in files Caretaker exposes violent past of Bhopal suicide victim:Assaulted mother, harassed female psychiatrist; had long history of mental illness
