‘No entry’ for hijab, ghoonghat and helmets in Bihar jewellery shops

Jewellery shops across Bihar have begun restricting entry to customers whose faces are covered, citing rising security concerns. As per directions issued by the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation, customers wearing hijab, burqa, helmet or gamcha that conceal the face will be asked to reveal their identity before making any purchase.

The federation said the move is aimed at preventing robberies in jewellery showrooms, where high-value items are routinely handled. State president Ashok Kumar Verma said incidents of theft often involve groups entering shops with faces fully covered, making identification difficult during or after crimes.

Explaining the rationale, Verma pointed to soaring precious metal prices, stating that 10 grams of gold now costs around Rs. 1.40 lakh, while one kilogram of silver is priced at about Rs. 2.50 lakh. “Problems arise when people hide their faces and enter in groups to commit robberies,” he said, stressing that the decision is purely security-driven.

Verma clarified that there is no intention to force anyone to remove a burqa or hijab. Customers wearing face coverings will be politely requested to show their face for verification during the purchase process. He added that shop staff will not physically remove any covering, and cooperation is being sought respectfully.

Rejecting allegations of targeting any community, the federation said the rule applies equally to men and women. Verma stated that face-to-face interaction helps build trust between customers and shopkeepers, and confirmed that local police authorities have been informed about the decision.