Streaming App Ullu Apologises For 'House Arrest' OTT Show After Controversy And FIR

Streaming app, Ullu, has issued a letter, apologising for its show 'House Arrest' that was taken off the platform on Friday after allegations of 'obscene' content.

An FIR was filed at Amboli station by the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad against the show's producer and host, accusing them of violating the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act, 1986, the FIR has added sections 296, 3 (5), and 67 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita for obscenity and common intention.

Ullu did not respond to calls and emails from this newspaper for a comment. Gautam Ravaria, co-convener, Bajrang Dal/Vishwa Hindu Parishad, said that they had asked the producers to apologise for the show's content. "They refused to apologise. So we filed the FIR. They have sent a letter of apology," said Ravaria.

In a letter to Bajrang Dal on Sunday morning, ULLU Digital Private Limited said that the streaming of the show has been discontinued, and all episodes were removed three to four days ago. The release was the result of internal team's oversight and negligence, which we fully acknowledge, the producers said.

The producers added: As a law-abiding entity, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the release of the Show. We appreciate your vigilance and proactive approach in bringing this matter to our attention.

The National Commission for Women and the Maharashtra State Commission for Women have taken suo motu cognisance of the show. The MSCW said that the host of the show, Ejaz Khan, asks participants obscene questions, encouraging women to remove their clothes. The NCW issued summons to the Ullu App CEO Vibhu Agarwal and Khan, asking them to appear before the Commission on May 9.