Hijab Row Erupts at Tonk District Hospital in Rajasthan, Video Sparks Statewide Debate

A controversy has erupted at the women’s (janana) hospital in Tonk district, Rajasthan, over a hijab. A video rapidly spreading on social media shows a heated exchange between a female doctor and a medical intern wearing a hijab. The incident has triggered a wave of discussions not only in Tonk but across Rajasthan.

The two-minute twenty-one second video captures the argument: the doctor insists that staff faces must be visible in sensitive spaces like hospitals so patients can see who administered their medicines or injections. She says that covering the face makes it difficult to maintain transparency and identify staff members. The intern, however, refuses to comply, stating she will not remove her hijab while on duty. The student argues that she carries her identification card at all times and can show her face if required, but removing the hijab altogether is not acceptable for her.

“You may do anything at home, but on the workplace, you cannot hide your identity. Even patients should be able to see who gave them injections,” the doctor asserts. The intern responds, “But I have my name, my ID.” The conversation, at times, touches upon questions of religious identity and whether wearing or not wearing a hijab determines one’s faith.

After the video went viral, Muslim organizations expressed strong opposition and even sent a complaint to the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding action against the woman doctor. According to them, stopping a student from wearing a hijab is a violation of religious freedom and democratic values.

In her defense, the doctor clarified that she had no intention to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments but was merely concerned that faces should remain visible for patient safety and proper identification. She noted that other female interns also do not wear the hijab during duty and the same standard should apply to everyone.

As of now, no formal police complaint has been filed, but the controversy is making headlines in Tonk and surrounding areas. On social media, people are sharply divided: one group supports the doctor, citing the need for transparency and trust in hospitals, while another supports the intern, arguing for religious freedom and personal rights.

This ongoing row has also put the hospital administration under scrutiny, as they have yet to release any official statement or take action on the matter. In the meanwhile, debate over the viral video continues to intensify, splitting public opinion in an otherwise quiet district.

What is your take on this viral video? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.