The shocking display immediately raised concerns over harassment, Islamophobia, and violations of basic human rights.
The incident occurred as the newly recruited doctor approached to receive her appointment letter at a Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) event.
According to Indian media reports, Nusrat Parveen was fully covered in a burqa and niqab (niqab) when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly expressed disapproval and forcibly removed her veil. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, present at the ceremony, attempted to intervene. The act has been widely condemned as an affront to religious freedom and personal autonomy, highlighting the increasing difficulties faced by Muslim women in India when practicing their faith.
Also Read: Indian temple covered up mass rapes and killings of girls - Ex-worker exposes horrific crimes
The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread public outrage and condemnation from opposition parties. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) questioned whether Nitish Kumar had lost his mental composure, while the Congress party called the act a reflection of the vulnerability and insecurity faced by women, demanding the Chief Minister’s immediate resignation.
Experts and human rights advocates have described the incident as harassment and Islamophobia, asserting that it violates the basic human right of individuals to live freely and practice their religion without fear. The episode underscores the growing challenges Muslim women face regarding religious attire and personal freedoms in India.
The controversy has reignited national debate on the protection of religious minorities, gender rights, and the accountability of public officials in upholding human dignity.