Maharashtra women’s commission writes to DGP over House Arrest show complaints

Ajaz Khan. Pic/X

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission has written to the state's Director General of Police (DGP), urging immediate action in connection with the OTT reality show House Arrest, hosted by actor Ajaz Khan on the Ullu app. The Commission stated that several complaints had been received from women, alleging that the show involves vulgar questions and inappropriate tasks imposed on contestants.

According to PTI, Rupali Chakankar, president of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission and a senior leader from the NCP, confirmed that the Commission has formally approached the DGP's office. "We have received many complaints about this show. Contestants are allegedly asked vulgar questions and even encouraged to perform obscene acts. A case has already been registered in this regard," Chakankar said.

The controversy has intensified following the registration of a separate police complaint against Ajaz Khan. The Charkop Police in Mumbai have booked the actor after a woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her under the pretext of marriage and a professional opportunity.

The woman, in her complaint, stated that Khan invited her to host House Arrest and later proposed marriage, promising to convert to her religion. She claims that he then invited her to his home, where the assault took place. The case has been filed under sections 64, 64(2)(M), 69, and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also intervened. The Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the show's content, which has gone viral on social media, sparking significant backlash. A short video clip circulating online shows female contestants allegedly being pressured into intimate acts during the filming.

The NCW has summoned both Ajaz Khan and Vibhu Agarwal, the CEO of Ullu App, asking them to appear before the Commission on 9 May. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the NCW criticised the platform for "promoting vulgarity and violating consent".

She also urged Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw to take strict action against mobile applications that promote such content.

Last week, BJP leader and MLC Chitra Wagh had also demanded an immediate ban on 'House Arrest', alleging that its content was obscene and harmful to society, especially to children.

(With inputs from ANI)