Mumbai Cooper Hospital Burqa Row: Advocate Jahanara Shaikh Alleges She Was Stopped Over Attire
Mumbai: A controversy has erupted at Mumbai’s Dr RN Cooper Hospital after advocate Jahanara Shaikh alleged that she was stopped from entering the maternity ward because she was wearing a burqa.
Shaikh said she had visited the BMC-run hospital to meet a relative admitted to the maternity ward. She alleged that a woman security staff member stopped her at the entrance.
According to Shaikh, she was told that women wearing burqas could not enter the ward. She questioned the reason for the restriction.
‘Babies are stolen by people wearing burqas,’ Shaikh alleges
Shaikh claimed that the security staff cited concerns about infant safety.
“The security guard told me that babies are stolen by people wearing burqas,” she alleged.
She questioned whether a visitor’s clothing should be treated as a reason to deny entry. Shaikh also argued that security checks could be conducted without asking women to remove their burqas.
The incident reportedly occurred near the maternity or neonatal area, where hospitals maintain stricter access controls to protect mothers and newborns.
Hospital issues show-cause notice
Cooper Hospital Dean Dr Chhaya Shinde said the security guard should have asked the woman to show her face or move the veil aside instead of asking her to remove the burqa.
The hospital administration has reportedly issued a show-cause notice to the security guard. The guard also apologised to the woman following the incident, according to the hospital administration.
The hospital has also said that stricter security measures are being implemented to protect newborn babies.
Incident sparks wider debate
A video linked to the incident has circulated widely on social media. The episode has triggered debate over hospital security, religious attire and the treatment of Muslim women in public institutions.
The controversy has also drawn political reactions. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said the incident was unacceptable and assured that the matter would be examined.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan also demanded action against those responsible. Other political leaders have called for an inquiry into the incident.
The controversy comes as hospitals continue to maintain strict access protocols around maternity and neonatal wards. The key question now is whether such checks can be carried out in a way that protects newborns while respecting visitors’ privacy and dignity.
SEO Title: Mumbai Cooper Hospital Burqa Row: Jahanara Shaikh Alleges Entry Denied
Meta Description: Mumbai Cooper Hospital burqa row: Advocate Jahanara Shaikh alleges she was stopped from entering the maternity ward. Hospital issues show-cause notice.
Focus Keyword: Mumbai Cooper Hospital burqa controversy
Keywords: Mumbai Cooper Hospital, Jahanara Shaikh, burqa controversy, Cooper Hospital burqa row, Mumbai hospital news, maternity ward Mumbai, BMC hospital, burqa news, Mumbai latest news
Tags: Mumbai News, Cooper Hospital, Jahanara Shaikh, Burqa Controversy, BMC, Mumbai Hospital, Maternity Ward, Maharashtra News