Complainant In 'Bulli Bai' Case Allegedly Threatened, Mumbai Police Registers Offence

A complainant in the 'Bulli Bai' case, involving the targeted online attack against India's Muslim women that police are currently investigating, was allegedly threatened over the phone. As per reports on Monday, the Mumbai police have registered a non-cognisable offence against an unknown person in the matter.

Investigators are probing how the complainant's contact details reached unknown persons, as per ANI. 

This update comes in the wake of police taking significant action since the harassment was first flagged on January 1, leading to multiple arrests in quick succession. All accused so far fall in the age group between 18 and 21, and include a woman. The 'mastermind' behind the entire attack is also reportedly in police custody. More here.

Prominent journalists, writers, activists and other social media users complained about their names and photos being on an abusive app hosted by open-source platform GitHub. Following complaints, the app 'Bulli Bai' was taken down and FIRs were lodged with both Delhi and Mumbai police.

Suggested Reading: Rewriting Fairy Tales, Breaking Stereotypes!

The first arrest was made the same week with 21-year-old engineering student Vishal Jha, from Bengaluru, being detained by the Mumbai police. He is a prime accused in the case; Jha was Monday sent to judicial custody till January 24. He has tested positive for COVID-19 and is at a quarantine facility in Mumbai. Read here.

Other arrests in the case include 18-year-old Shweta Singh and 21-year-old Mayank Rawat, both from Uttarakhand who were also involved in the controversial app's functions.

Police say they have also arrested the 'creator' and 'mastermind' behind the app, identifying him as one Neeraj Bishnoi. He is 21 and an engineering student. Read about him here.

Suggested Reading: Bro Code: A Celebration of Toxic Masculinity

This recent harassment, which sought to 'auction' Muslim women off online, is similar to the 'Sulli Deals' case from May-June last year, which also targeted outspoken women from the religious minority. Speaking to SheThePeople, survivors said no major action had been taken in the 'Sulli Deals' case and no arrests were made.

Bishnoi in custody has reportedly revealed to the police that he is "in touch" with the creator of 'Sulli Deals'. Police say they are verifying his claims through technical analysis.