Amnesty International condemns woman’s veil pulling incident in India

NEW DELHI: Amnesty International India has strongly condemned the recent woman’s veil pulling incident in India, in which Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly removed the hijab of a woman doctor during a government event. The act has been called a serious violation of personal dignity and religious freedom.

The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows Nusrat Parveen, a newly appointed AYUSH doctor, standing to receive her appointment letter at a public function when the Chief Minister allegedly reached forward and removed her headscarf.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary intervened to restrain Kumar, while Health Minister Mangal Pandey and the CM’s Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, appeared to laugh at the incident.

This veil pulling incident in India has sparked widespread condemnation from rights groups, activists, and political leaders.

Aakar Patel, Chair of the Board at Amnesty International India, said, “This act was an assault on this woman’s dignity, autonomy, and identity.”

“ When a public official forcibly pulls down a woman’s hijab, it sends a message that such behavior is acceptable. No one has the right to police a woman’s faith or clothing.”

Amnesty International emphasized that wearing, or not wearing, religious or cultural symbols is part of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief.

Patel added, “Such actions deepen fear, normalize discrimination, and erode the very foundations of equality and freedom of religion. This violation demands unequivocal condemnation and accountability.”

The incident has ignited nationwide outrage. Opposition leaders, rights activists, and public figures have echoed Amnesty International’s call for accountability, stressing that no woman should be subjected to such degrading treatment by a public official.

The organization stressed the need for protection of women’s rights and religious freedoms, warning that allowing such behavior to go unchecked sends a dangerous message about tolerance and equality in public life.