Patna Jewelry Shops Mandate Face Unveiling for Security, Not Discrimination

• Claims of a ban on burqa-clad women in Patna's jewelry market led to an investigation by Local 18.
• Shops require customers to remove masks, helmets, burqas, and veils for security, ensuring faces are visible on CCTV.
• Shopkeepers clarify this is due to past theft incidents where culprits' faces were concealed, not discrimination.
• Patliputra Bullion Association President Vinod Kumar stated no such directive was issued by the association; it's individual shop decisions.
• All India Jewelers and Gold Federation (AIJGF) instructed this statewide rule, effective January 8, 2026, for security reasons.

Why It Matters: Patna jewelry shops mandate face unveiling for security against theft, not as a discriminatory ban.