In a significant move to bolster security within jewelry establishments, the Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association has implemented a strict ban on face coverings for anyone entering jewelry stores across the state. This directive, which came into effect following a recent major robbery in Rajim, prohibits entry to individuals concealing their faces with burqas, masks, scarfs, or any other form of face covering. The association believes that criminals frequently use such coverings to obscure their identities, making it challenging for law enforcement to apprehend them even with CCTV surveillance in place.
Kamal Soni, President of the Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association, emphasized that the decision is crucial for security and is not targeted at any specific community or religion. The primary objective is to safeguard jewelers and their customers, ensuring clear identification is paramount for the security of valuable merchandise. Many business owners have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a necessary step to curb rising incidents of theft and enhance safety within the industry. While some traders express relief, public reception to the new rule is mixed, with discussions arising about its impact on women who wear face veils for religious or cultural reasons, and individuals covering their faces for protection against the sun. The association plans to enforce this rule rigorously across Chhattisgarh, and the effectiveness of this measure in reducing criminal activity and its social acceptance remain to be seen.
