The hijab controversy continues to simmer. After attracting nationwide attention in political and social circles, the issue was raised at a press conference in Patna convened to review the law and order situation in Bihar on Monday.
A journalist questioned Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Arvind Choudhary and Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar about the action taken in connection with an incident in which Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attempted to pull the hijab of a woman doctor, Nusrat Parveen, at a government function in Patna on 15 December. He pointed out that Bihar Home Minister Samrat Choudhary has stated that anyone who pulls a woman’s dupatta in public would not be spared, and asked whether the police had taken cognisance of the chief minister’s hijab-related incident.
The DGP did not give a direct response to the question. Instead, he reiterated earlier statements regarding measures taken against such miscreants in public places. “For such miscreants in public places, the Abhaya Brigade has been launched. Next year, 2,000 scooters will be purchased. A proposal has been prepared and sent. Women constables and ASIs will be deployed and stationed at sensitive locations such as schools, colleges, and coaching centres,” he said.
Earlier, addressing the media, Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Choudhary and DGP Vinay Kumar claimed that Bihar is now free of Naxalism and that serious crimes such as murder and robbery have declined.
They said that crime control, action against mafias, and public safety are the government’s top priorities. According to them, strict policing, the use of technology, and sustained operations have resulted in significant success in controlling crime in the state. They added that steps would be taken in the coming days to make policing more effective, transparent, and technology-driven.
DGP Vinay Kumar said that the police have achieved success in the Naxal-affected areas and that no district in Bihar is now affected by Naxalism. During the year, 220 Naxals were arrested and one Naxal was killed in an encounter.
In view of the rising cases of cybercrime, 103 cyber crimes were investigated, with action taken on the basis of technical evidence. Compared to 2024, cases of murder declined by 7.72 per cent and dacoity by 24.87 per cent in 2025. Incidents of communal tension have also decreased.