Due Process
Every dowry death shocks the conscience. What is more troubling is how often such cases are explained away before the facts have been fully examined.
A prominent Muslim cleric in Bhopal has strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for forcibly pulling down the hijab of a Muslim doctor in public, calling the act a disgrace, dishonour, and disrespect to all women, not just Muslims.
Nitish Kumar is already facing widespread criticism for his behaviour, and several FIRs have been registered across the country in connection with the incident.
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Bhopal Naib Shahar Qazi Maulana Ali Qadar said today that such a shameful act by a person holding a high constitutional position cannot be tolerated.
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“Anyone who claims to be a follower of Ram or Krishna cannot stoop to such a low level. Nitish Kumar’s act is akin to Duryodhana’s cheer-haran of Draupadi,” he asserted.
The cleric pointed out that women are revered in Hinduism, and in Islam the hijab is considered a symbol of a woman’s dignity and honour. “Removing it publicly is an attack on that dignity,” the Shahar Qazi said.
He added that the issue is neither political nor communal, but a matter of women’s respect and honour. He denounced the incident as a grave social concern and a violation of women’s dignity.
Referring to the FIRs filed, Ali Qadar said that the incident will be a test for the Indian judicial system, as the accused is none other than the Chief Minister of a BJP-ruled state.
At a recent official event in Bihar where appointment letters were distributed to AYUSH doctors, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had first mocked and questioned the hijab worn by a Muslim woman, Dr. Nusrat.
He then proceeded to forcibly pull down her hijab in full public view, leaving her visibly uncomfortable.
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