Tonk Hijab Row: Senior Doctor Tells Intern to Quit Medical Field, Video Goes Viral

Tonk- A heated dispute over wearing a hijab during duty at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) Hospital, part of the Government Hospital in Tonk, Rajasthan, has escalated into a major controversy. A viral video showing a confrontation between a senior female doctor and a Muslim intern student has ignited debates on religious freedom, professional conduct, and hospital policies. The incident has drawn reactions from political parties, community groups, and the public, with authorities launching an investigation to address the matter.

The controversy began at Tonk’s MCH Hospital when a Muslim intern student, identified as Umama, arrived for her internship duties wearing a hijab. Senior gynecologist Dr. Indu Gupta objected to Umama wearing the hijab during duty, arguing that patients have the right to clearly see the face of the medical staff treating them. In the viral video, recorded by Umama herself, Dr. Gupta can be heard saying, “The hijab is not part of any religion. If you think wearing it is so essential, you should leave the medical field and stay at home. Patients need to see the face of the person administering injections or treatment.”

Umama countered that the hijab is integral to her religious beliefs and that hospital rules do not explicitly prohibit it. She offered to show her face for biometric attendance, wear a nameplate, and ensure her identity is clear to patients, stating, “My religion does not allow me to show my face or other parts of my body to unrelated men.” Despite her arguments, Dr. Gupta firmly refused to allow the hijab in the workplace, emphasizing that the hospital is a professional setting, not a place for religious practices.

The video, approximately 1 minute 20 seconds long, captures the intense exchange, with Umama defending her right to wear the hijab and Dr. Gupta insisting on a strict dress code. The clip has since gone viral on social media platforms, amplifying the controversy and drawing widespread attention.

This is not the first time Umama faced objections to her hijab at the MCH Hospital. Three days prior to the recorded incident, a similar dispute arose, prompting Umama to report the issue to the hospital’s in-charge, Dr. Vinod Parveria. Dr. Parveria had advised against prohibiting the hijab, stating that individuals have the right to practice their religion.

Amid the escalating row, Dr Gupta stated, “I only asked the intern to remove the face covering to ensure patients can identify who is treating them. If an incident like a wrong injection occurs, the responsibility lies with the senior doctor, not the intern." Gupta denied making any derogatory remarks about Islam and accused Umama of creating unnecessary controversy by sharing the video

The viral video has sparked significant political and social unrest. The Congress party, along with Muslim community organizations, has rallied in support of Umama, accusing Dr. Gupta of religious discrimination. Congress leader Ausaf Khan and his supporters staged a protest at the hospital, submitting a memorandum to Dr. Parveria demanding strict action against Dr. Gupta. They argued that the incident hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community and violated Umama’s religious freedom.

Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has backed Dr. Gupta, with district president Chandraveer Singh Chauhan leading a delegation to submit a memorandum to the district collector. The BJP argued that hospitals are sensitive workplaces where professional conduct and patient safety should take precedence over religious symbols. They accused Umama of creating communal tension by recording and sharing the video.

Tonk police, led by Kotwali Thana CI Bhanwarlal Vaishnav, have initiated an investigation based on the viral video, despite no formal complaints being filed by either party. The police’s cyber cell is monitoring social media to prevent inflammatory comments that could escalate tensions.