New Delhi: A video circulating on social media depicting a Muslim woman in a burqa being denied entry into a bank in Jaipur has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The incident unfolded due to the bank’s stated policy of disallowing burqas inside its premises, as explained by the security guard in the video.
The video, lasting over five minutes, has rapidly gained traction on various social media platforms, portraying the woman’s attempt to enter a branch of Canara Bank in Jaipur. Regrettably, her entry is obstructed by the vigilant security guard, who firmly states, “burqa allowed nahi hai (burqa is not allowed).” He proceeds to suggest that she must remove her burqa to gain access, referencing the established “guidelines” that prohibit burqas inside the bank premises.
Persistently, the woman implores the guard to present her with the documented guidelines that explicitly disallow entry while wearing a burqa. The guard, in response, indicates that he would permit her entry only if his superior endorses it.
During her wait for the guard’s return after seeking approval, several individuals can be observed entering the bank premises without impediment. Eventually, a gentleman escorts her to the office of the branch manager, where she inquires about the bank’s policies regarding burqas.
At this juncture, the branch manager informs her that her exclusion from the bank premises was not due to her burqa but, rather, was attributable to the bank’s lunch break policy. The video also captures the manager requesting the woman to refrain from recording within the bank.
Subsequently, two female bank employees intervene, offering apologies to the woman.
The video has now been disseminated widely across social media platforms, eliciting a chorus of calls for repercussions against the bank staff involved.
This is Canara Bank in Jaipur. Guard can be heard saying to a Muslim woman that Burqa is not allowed in the bank.
Muslim girl asked guard to show guidelines they refused.— Shameela (@shaikhshameela) September 3, 2023
A user commented, “Every Muslim must close their bank account with Canara Bank. If we do not demonstrate our strength, they will continue to take advantage of us and humiliate us.”
Every Muslim must close their bank account with Canara Bank. If we do not demonstrate our strength, they will continue to take advantage of us and hemulate us.
Sanghis are better than us and they start boycotts immediately.
— Mohammad Nawaj (@NawazJ78) September 4, 2023
This incident has sparked a contentious debate on social media on the handling of religious attire within public spaces, with many users demanding accountability for the actions taken at Canara Bank.
Do @canarabank @RBI this acceptable in new india..? If not then take action…
— ಸಾಬೀದ್ (@sabeedh_) September 4, 2023
@canarabank can u come up with guidelines please ?
— Flynn Rider (@misfithooman) September 4, 2023
Always tag the culprit. They spend millions of dollars on advertising and you’re depriving them of free advertisement. @canarabank and @RBI should make guidelines clear to a Indian Muslims that though their money and taxes are welcome, they’re not.
— Shadab Khan (@Shadab_doha) September 4, 2023
