Nitish Kumar hijab video row: Complaint filed against Bihar CM, Sanjay Nishad by SP leader; strict action sought

A video of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is going viral on social media in which he is seen pulling down a woman's hijab

A complaint has been filed at Kaiserbagh Police Station in Lucknow against Bihar chief minister and Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad over a viral hijab video, which sparked outrage across the country.

Samajwadi Party leader Sumaiya Rana, along with her lawyers, submitted a complaint against the two leaders, seeking the registration of an FIR and strict legal action in connection with the incident.

The complaint concerns a viral clip in which Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is allegedly seen pulling a Muslim woman’s hijab during an official function to hand over appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors. The incident has triggered sharp reactions from political leaders, many of whom called it inappropriate and humiliating.

Sumaiya Rana, while speaking to ANI, said the act set a dangerous precedent. “A video of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is going viral on social media in which he is seen pulling down a woman's hijab... For a person holding a constitutional position to behave in this manner means he is encouraging his other workers to engage in similar acts,” she said.

Rana also objected to the controversial remarks made by UP minister Sanjay Nishad. Quoting him, she said, "He said, 'Why is there so much controversy over removing a burqa? His hands only touched her face. If his hands had touched somewhere else, what would have happened then?' Based on this, I have filed a complaint."

Advocate Misham Zaidi, who joined Rana, said the incident and the subsequent remarks attract serious penal provisions.

"He has hurt the modesty of a woman. What Sanjay Nishad has done incites religious sentiments. This is a clear-cut case under Section 153A, as you are knowingly engaging in such acts that could instigate riots, create unrest, and disturb the law and order of the state," he said. He added, "Section 354 will be applied to him (Nitish Kumar) directly for grabbing and pulling it (the hijab)."