Hijab barred in jewellery shops in Bihar

Decision taken in view of rising incidents of robbery in jewellery stores

(Hijab refers to a garment worn by Muslim women to cover the head and neck)

Patliputra (Bihar) – The Bihar Jewellers Association has decided that customers wearing hijab, niqab (a veil covering the face), and burqa (a garment covering the entire body) will not be allowed entry into jewellery shops across the State. This decision has been taken against the backdrop of repeated incidents of robbery and theft in jewellery stores in various districts of Bihar over the past few months. A similar decision was recently taken in Jhansi. Along with this, men wearing helmets will also be denied entry. Copies of this decision have begun to be displayed outside jewellery shops.

Bihar Hijab Ban in Jewellery Stores ⚠️💍

🚫 Hijab restricted inside jewellery shops amid rising robbery cases.

🔐 Move taken purely for security, say jewellers.

🗣️ RJD cries foul, BJP hits back.

📢 “This is only for safety, not politics” – Ashok Kumar Verma, Bihar State… pic.twitter.com/dwb5JKN1sZ

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 8, 2026

RJD’s allegation and BJP’s response

Reacting to the decision, National Janata Dal spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed said that targeting hijab and niqab in the name of security is not only wrong but also an act that hurts religious sentiments. He claimed that such decisions are part of a conspiracy to snatch away the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens under the Constitution. He reiterated that targeting hijab and niqab under the pretext of security is unacceptable. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has also demanded that the decision be withdrawn. Responding to the RJD, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party stated that this is India, not an Islamic country, and questioned the relevance of hijab in this context.

Decision taken purely for security purposes, says Ashok Kumar Verma

Jewellery traders have clarified that the step is not directed against any community or group. According to them, the decision has been taken purely from a security perspective. Ashok Kumar Verma, Bihar State President of the All India Gold and Jewellers Association, said that the jewellery business is constantly targeted by criminals. Therefore, the decision has been taken keeping security as the sole consideration. He added that incidents of robbery are occurring almost daily in shops, and when faces are covered, it becomes difficult to identify offenders. This step has been taken only to prevent such crimes.