Bihar Doctor Whose Naqab Was Removed by Nitish Kumar Yet to Join Duty Amid Ongoing Row

The political and social controversy surrounding the removal of a woman doctor’s naqab by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shows no signs of fading. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the doctor at the center of the incident has still not reported for duty, days after the episode triggered widespread reactions across party lines.

The incident occurred earlier this week during an appointment letter distribution ceremony at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Patna, where newly appointed Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their postings. A video from the event, which later went viral, showed Nitish Kumar questioning the doctor’s attire before removing her veil.

According to Patna Civil Surgeon Dr. Avinash Kumar Singh, Ayush doctor Nusrat Parveen did not report for duty until the end of Saturday. “The possibility window for the day closed at 7 pm,” Singh said, adding that the deadline for joining had been extended beyond December 20.

“It remains to be seen whether Parveen joins on Monday or not,” Singh stated, without specifying the revised deadline for reporting.

Parveen was scheduled to begin her posting at the Sabalpur Primary Health Centre (PHC) under Patna Sadar subdivision. However, PHC surgeon Dr. Vijay Kumar confirmed that she had not joined her assignment.

“Parveen is not among the five or six doctors who joined today,” Kumar said. He explained that candidates must first report to the civil surgeon’s office before being formally posted. “Her name is on the list, but we have not received her appointment letter from the civil surgeon’s office in Patna.”

The incident that sparked the controversy took place on Monday when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar noticed Parveen wearing a naqab during the official function. According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, Kumar asked her, “What is this?” before removing her veil. The visuals quickly spread online, triggering sharp criticism and political reactions nationwide.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan weighed in on the matter, expressing disappointment over the way the incident was being portrayed. “Hearing the word ‘conflict’ in this situation hurts me,” the Governor said. “Can there be a dispute between a father and a daughter?”

Defending the Chief Minister, Khan added, “What have you people made of it? This man considers female students as his daughters,” he told reporters in Patna.

Meanwhile, Mahfoozur Rahman, principal of the Government Tibbi College and Hospital (GTCH), where Parveen is currently a second-year student, confirmed that special provisions had been made in her case.

“The reporting time has been extended in this special case,” Rahman said. “Ayush doctor Nusrat Parveen has not yet joined, and there is no update on her future course of action.”

Rahman further stated that Parveen may still be reconsidering her decision. “She will rethink whether to join or not,” he said, adding that the family has expressed a desire to stay away from media attention.

Dismissing speculation, Rahman denied reports that Parveen’s family had shifted to Kolkata in protest. Quoting her husband, he said the family was “disappointed with the media-driven controversy” rather than angry with Nitish Kumar or the Bihar government.

According to Rahman, Parveen last attended college on December 17 or 18 and still has the option of continuing her education alongside considering government service.

Jharkhand Extends Support to the Doctor

Amid the controversy, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari publicly offered support to Nusrat Parveen, proposing a government job in Jharkhand. The offer reportedly includes a government flat, posting of her choice, full security, and a monthly salary of ₹3 lakh.

Ansari alleged that Nitish Kumar’s action amounted to an insult to the Muslim community. “This was not just an attack on one individual,” he said, “but a direct assault on human dignity, honor, and the Constitution.”

However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former BJP legislator Bhanu Pratap Sahi described the offer as “politics of appeasement” and questioned the legality of appointing a Bihar doctor in Jharkhand.

“Why doesn’t he employ the sons and daughters of Jharkhand?” Sahi asked in a video statement.

The controversy has also taken a legal turn. A social worker has filed a police complaint against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the incident. According to police officials, Mohammad Murtaza Alam lodged the complaint at the Itki police station, citing the viral video of the Chief Minister removing the doctor’s hijab.

As political reactions, legal scrutiny, and public debate continue, the future course of action for Nusrat Parveen—and the broader implications of the incident—remain uncertain.