Hijab Dispute: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Receives Threat From Pakistani Gangster

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

A video circulating online — the authenticity of which has not yet been independently verified — purportedly shows Bhatti demanding an apology from the Chief Minister over an incident involving a Muslim woman at the event, while issuing a warning if the demand is not met. In the clip, he questions the conduct of a person holding a constitutional post and claims that a prior warning has been issued.

Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar said the Inspector General of Police (Patna) has been instructed to examine the video and assess the alleged threat. He added that no further comment would be made until the inquiry verifies the content.

The video threat surfaced after a clip from a government programme on Tuesday went viral. The event, held to distribute appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors, showed Nitish Kumar interacting with a woman doctor wearing a hijab. Footage from the stage shows the Chief Minister briefly touching the woman’s veil, which sparked widespread criticism and debate on social media.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was present on the stage, appeared to gesture towards the Chief Minister at the time, 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), however, struggled to present a consistent response.

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