Controversy: No Bus Ride Without Burqa, Driver Tells Schoolgirls In Karnataka

Bengaluru: After the hijab row, it’s the burqa which has caused an uproar in Karnataka.

A bus driver in Kalaburagi district allegedly refused to allow schoolgirls to board the vehicle unless they were in burqa.

The students were on way to Basavakalyan from Okali village in Kamalapur taluk to attend school.

Eyewitnesses said the bus driver demanded that all Muslim female students wear burqas before boarding the bus. Even those wearing hijabs (headscarf) were denied entry, as the driver said that only burqas were acceptable for Muslim students.

“If you’re a Muslim, wear a burqa, not a hijab. Only then will we allow you to board the bus,” the driver said.

One of the students said that the driver questioned their religious identity and insisted on them wearing a burqa. Once the students refused to disclose their names, they were subjected to verbal abuse and chased away.

Confronted by other commuters, the driver defended himself by claiming that the bus was not in working condition and the students were creating a nuisance.