Bihar Cabinet Minister Lakhanendra Paswan firmly endorsed jewelry traders’ controversial ban on hijabs and helmets on Monday, framing it as a necessary defense against organized crime syndicates targeting high-value stores.
Speaking at a trade federation meeting, Paswan recounted chilling tales of robbers entering shops in disguises, making identification impossible even via CCTV. ‘We cannot let fear paralyze our economy,’ he stated, vowing full administrative support to implement these safeguards.
The policy gained traction after multiple high-profile robberies in districts like Patna and Gaya, where perpetrators used helmets and burqas to conceal identities. Shop owners report that the ban has already deterred potential threats and boosted customer confidence among those willing to comply.
Opposition voices, including women’s rights groups, have condemned the move as discriminatory, calling for dialogue over division. However, Paswan countered by highlighting that the rule applies universally—no exceptions for any headgear obscuring faces—ensuring fairness.
Industry experts predict this could evolve into a model for urban retail, blending technology like AI surveillance with simple entry protocols. With Paswan’s endorsement, Bihar’s jewelers feel emboldened, marking a new chapter in proactive business security.
