Kolkata Complainant in Influencer Case Faces Own Hate Speech Allegations

Wazahat Khan Qadri, the individual whose complaint prompted the arrest of social media influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, is now under scrutiny for allegedly posting inflammatory content online, according to Kolkata Police. The authorities are investigating multiple complaints against Qadri, accusing him of sharing communal and divisive posts on social media platforms.

Qadri’s initial complaint led to Panoli’s arrest on May 30 in Gurugram, Haryana, after she posted a now-deleted Instagram video that allegedly offended religious sentiments. The video, which criticized Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor, sparked significant backlash, prompting Panoli to issue a public apology on May 15. Despite her apology, Kolkata Police acted on Qadri’s complaint, charging Panoli under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity and inciting public mischief. She was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on June 1 by a Kolkata court.

The twist in the case emerged when complaints surfaced against Qadri himself, alleging that he too had engaged in hate speech online. Kolkata Police have confirmed they are verifying these allegations and have pledged to take appropriate legal action. The development has added complexity to an already contentious case, which has drawn attention from political figures and sparked debates over free speech and online responsibility.

The controversy surrounding Panoli’s arrest intensified with public figures like BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan criticizing the police action as excessive, while others, including Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, called for stricter laws against hate speech. Kolkata Police have defended their actions, stating that all legal procedures were followed in Panoli’s arrest and dismissing claims of unlawful conduct as “factually incorrect and misleading” in a statement posted on X.
As the investigation into Qadri’s alleged hate posts continues, the case underscores the challenges of regulating online content amid heightened communal sensitivities. Both Panoli’s and Qadri’s actions remain under legal scrutiny, with authorities urging the public to rely on verified information to avoid escalating tensions.