Hijab Incident: Pakistani Gangster Issues Threat Against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

A Pakistani national identifying himself as gangster Shahzad Bhatti has allegedly issued a threat to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on social media following a controversy at a government function in Patna.

A video circulating online — which authorities say is yet to be independently verified — purportedly shows Bhatti warning the Chief Minister and demanding an apology over an incident involving a Muslim woman at the event. In the clip, Bhatti refers to Kumar’s interaction with the woman and issues a warning if an apology is not issued, while questioning the conduct expected of a constitutional office-holder.

Reacting to the video, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar said the Inspector General of Police (Patna) has been directed to examine the matter. “An inquiry will first verify the authenticity of the video and assess the nature of the threat,” he said, declining further comment.

The controversy stems from a government programme held on Tuesday to distribute appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors, during which Nitish Kumar was seen interacting with a woman doctor wearing a hijab. Video footage from the event shows the Chief Minister briefly touching or adjusting the woman’s veil, triggering sharp criticism and debate on social media.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was present on stage, appeared to gesture towards the Chief Minister during the moment, seemingly reacting to the incident.

Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, criticised Kumar over the episode and questioned his conduct. The Janata Dal (United), meanwhile, faced difficulty in offering a unified explanation.

Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan defended the Chief Minister, saying, “Nitish ji was expressing affection and pride for a Muslim daughter. He wanted people to see her achievement and success.”