In a significant development, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member Iltija Mufti lodged a formal police complaint in Srinagar on Friday, accusing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of a "brutal assault" on the autonomy, identity, and dignity of Indian women. The action stems from a widely circulated video showing Kumar at a public event in Patna last week.
The Core of the Controversy
The complaint, filed at the Kothibagh police station, centers on the viral clip where Nitish Kumar is seen purportedly gesturing to a female AYUSH graduate wearing a hijab to reveal her face and then tugging at her headscarf. Iltija Mufti, who is the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, argued that such acts by a person in high authority could empower anti-social elements to target and humiliate Muslim women without fear.
This is not the first legal action prompted by the incident. Earlier, Samajwadi Party's national spokesperson Sumaiya Rana had approached the Lucknow Police seeking an investigation into both Kumar's actions and the subsequent response by Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad.
Political and Religious Repercussions
The incident has triggered sharp reactions across political and religious spectrums. Iltija Mufti strongly criticized the silence of former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the matter, implying it was complicit. From a religious pulpit, the chairperson of the Hurriyat conference and J&K's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, addressed the issue during the Friday congregation at Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the Bihar Chief Minister's alleged act as "a grave violation of personal dignity and moral boundaries," amplifying the sentiment of outrage within the community. Meanwhile, the incident has also seen defensive posturing from Kumar's allies, with BJP MP Giriraj Singh famously defending the act with a 'Go To Hell' remark directed at critics.
A Broader Implication for Women's Rights
Beyond the immediate political blame game, Iltija Mufti's complaint underscores a deeper concern about the safety and respect afforded to women, particularly from minority communities. Her statement suggests that actions by top leaders can set a dangerous precedent, effectively giving a free pass to lumpen elements to harass women under the guise of following a perceived norm.
The filing of this police complaint in Srinagar adds a new layer to the ongoing national debate, transforming a viral moment into a formal legal and political challenge. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to this complaint and whether it will lead to a broader examination of the conduct of public figures towards women's personal choices and dignity.
