Abdullah posed a pointed query: "Had I removed a Hindu woman’s veil in Haryana or Rajasthan, what would the BJP have done?" He stressed the issue transcends religion. "Forget she was Muslim and wearing a hijab—how can anyone lay hands on a woman’s clothes?"

The doctor, reportedly distressed, has declined the AYUSH appointment.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, lodged a police complaint in Srinagar Friday seeking an FIR against Kumar for "violating a woman's dignity." She led a small protest with party workers, chanting slogans against the act.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended Kumar, saying identification requires showing the face for official documents.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry called the incident "deeply disturbing," alleging rising intolerance toward Muslims in India. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed it "shameful."

Protests broke out in parts of West Bengal, with Muslim women holding marches demanding Kumar's apology.

The controversy erupted from a December 15 video at Patna's CM secretariat, where Kumar distributed appointment letters to over 1,000 AYUSH doctors. He asked doctor Nusrat Parveen about her niqab before pulling it down, amid laughter from some onlookers. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary appeared to restrain him.

Kumar's security has been heightened amid the backlash.

Opposition parties, including RJD and Congress, labelled the act "vile" and called for resignation. Allies downplayed it as paternal.

As outrage spreads internationally, pressure mounts on Kumar for a direct response