A Muslim young woman has alleged that she faced pressure to remove her hijab in front of male staff before entering a railway recruitment exam center in Gujarat. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking nationwide debate in India over religious freedom and examination rules.
The victim stated that the staff at the entrance of the exam center told her she could not enter without removing her hijab. She said the incident took place in front of male employees, leaving her feeling humiliated. She further claimed that when she sought help from the police stationed at the site, a female officer dismissed her concern, simply saying: “If that’s what you want to say, then remove it.”
The young woman emphasized that the case is not just her personal story, but an issue concerning the rights and religious freedom of Muslim women. She alleged that such behavior violated her dignity and religious freedom. She also stated that she has decided to take legal action against the exam authorities.
The incident has quickly become a topic of discussion on social media, with many citizens and rights activists demanding clear guidelines for allowing religious attire and conducting examinations at exam centers. Experts note that various exam boards have previously allowed religious garments like the hijab, provided that checks are conducted privately and by female staff.
So far, neither the Railway Recruitment Board nor the Gujarat Police have issued any official statements regarding the matter. Following the viral video, demands for an investigation and a formal response have intensified.