Women's Commission notes complaint against 'Bulli Bai' app targeting Muslim women

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma acknowledged s complaint voiced by a woman journalist on Twitter who alleged that her doctored photos had been used on 'Bulli Bai', an app targeting Muslim women and putting up their photos as 'Bai of the Day'. The victim said the actions were intended to harass independent women and journalists like herself.

"The term Bulli Bai itself seems disrespectful and the content of this website/portal is clearly aimed at insulting Muslim women as the derogatory term 'Bulli' is used exclusively for Muslim women," read the complaint on Twitter. The journalist also requested that she be kept updated on the situation and what action had been taken against the culprits.

"We have registered an FIR under section 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman)," a Delhi Police official told IANS. The FIR was registered at the Cyber Police station of the South East district. A senior police officer told Times of India that the case has been registered under sections 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 354 A (sexual harassment and punishment for harassment) of the Indian Penal Code

'Bulli Bai' was also being promoted by a Twitter handle with the name @bullibai, with its display picture of a "Khalistan supporter", and saying women can be booked from the app. Six months ago, a similar app called 'Sulli Deals' claimed to 'auction' Muslim women. Two FIRs were filed in the case but no concrete steps have been taken to locate the culprits.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed the public that GitHub had blocked the app and that an investigation was underway, in response to a complaint by Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi who objected to the '"rampant misogyny" and "communal targeting of women" on 'Bulli Bai'.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the app and it's misogynistic overtones, stating that violence and harassment of women would end only when the nation spoke with a united voice against it.

"The humiliation and communal hatred against women will stop only when we all stand in one voice against it. The year has changed, the situation has also changed - now we have to speak!" Gandhi tweeted.