Mumbai, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A controversy has erupted after two women alleged that they were stopped from entering the maternity ward of Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital because they were wearing burqas, triggering criticism from political leaders across party lines.
One of the women, advocate Jahanara, told IANS a day earlier that she was stopped while attempting to enter the maternity ward. She alleged that security personnel refused to let her in despite her identifying herself.
“Even after I spoke to them and introduced myself, I was still stopped and told, ‘No matter who you are, we will not allow you to enter in a burqa,’” she claimed.
Jahanara further alleged that when she asked for the reason, she was told that babies could be stolen by people entering the hospital wearing burqas.
Advocate Zahra Shaikh on Tuesday said videos circulating on social media about the incident were genuine. She told IANS that she had faced a similar situation at Cooper Hospital in Andheri while visiting a relative.
Shaikh alleged that security personnel outside the maternity ward asked her to remove her burqa before entering. She said she showed her face but was told the restriction was related to security concerns and that children were allegedly kidnapped by people wearing burqas.
NCP-SP spokesperson Vidya Chavan condemned the incident and said women should not be questioned or harassed over religious attire. She called for an immediate inquiry and appropriate action.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also described the alleged incident as wrong and said she would look into the matter. She stressed that a hospital should not judge people on the basis of their religion and said strict action would follow if any BMC employee was found responsible.
Congress leader Charan Singh Sapra termed the incident “unfortunate”.
AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan also demanded strict action against those responsible. He said Muslim women had the right to wear burqas and hijabs and urged the BMC to strengthen hospital security through increased CCTV coverage.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde said people have the right to choose their attire regardless of religion, while stressing that security requirements at hospitals must also be addressed by the civic body and the hospital administration.
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