Mumbai: On a deceitful app hundreds of Muslim women have been listed for ‘auction’ with photographs on display, without permission. Mumbai Cyber Police has begun to probe into objectionable content on the app ‘Bulli Bai’, an official told news agency PTI. This app has triggered a major controversy for the second time in less than a year.
This app is a replica of the Sulli Deals which triggered a row last year by offering users a “Sulli” – a derogatory term used by right-wing social media trolls for Muslim women – calling them “deals of the day”. There were no sale transactions, but the purpose of the app was to degrade, humiliate and harass, some of its targets said.
“The app ‘Bulli Bai’ works just the same way as ‘Sulli Deals’ did. Once you open it, you randomly find a Muslim woman’s face being displayed as Bulli Bai,” a social media user said.
Muslim women with a strong presence on Twitter have been singled out and their photos were listed on the platform once again. The abuse drew strong condemnation on Twitter.
One of the targets was Journalist Ismat Ara. Regarding this app targeting her she tweeted, “It is very sad that as a Muslim woman you have to start your new year with this sense of fear & disgust. Of course it goes without saying that I am not the only one being targeted in this new version of #sullideals. Screenshot sent by a friend this morning. Happy new year.”
The police in Delhi said they were investigating a case filed by journalist Ismat Ara while Priyanka Chaturvedi, an MP from Maharashtra’s ruling Shiv Sena, said a probe had also been launched in Mumbai.
Priyanka Chaturvedi has stated that regarding the matter she has spoken with Mumbai Cyber Police and DCP Crime Rashmi Karandikar. They will probe the matter.
Retweeting Ismat Ara’s Tweet she said, “I have repeatedly asked Hon. IT Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw ji to take stern action against such rampant misogyny and communal targeting of women through #sullideals like platforms. A shame that it continues to be ignored.”
On this crime, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi demands probe and strict action. He tweeted, “Disgusting. Inaction by authorities has made these criminals brazen. @AshwiniVaishnaw @NCWIndia @DelhiPolice please investigate and take strict action.”
The app appeared to have been taken down after being posted on the Microsoft-owned software sharing platform GitHub which allows anyone to upload an in-development app.
Removing the Sulli Bai app after complaints last time, GitHub had said, “We suspended user accounts following the investigation of reports of such activity, all of which violate our policies.”
According to PTI, two First Information Reports or FIRs were filed by the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police in the ‘Sulli Deals’ controversy last year after photos of Muslim women were misused but no significant action was taken against those responsible.
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