Hindu Influencer Arrested by Kolkata Police Over Controversial Video
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Symbiosis Law School in Pune, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on May 30, 2025, for allegedly posting a video on social media that offended religious sentiments. The arrest has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the legal process and the focus of law enforcement.
Panoli, who has a substantial following on social media platforms, posted a video on Instagram on May 14, 2025, in response to a query from a Pakistani follower about India’s military actions following the Pahalgam terror attack. The video reportedly contained derogatory remarks targeting a specific religious community, leading to widespread outrage after it went viral. A formal complaint was lodged at Garden Reach Police Station in Kolkata, prompting the police to register an FIR against her under sections related to promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments.
According to sources, Kolkata Police faced challenges in serving a legal notice to Panoli, as she and her family were reportedly unavailable. This led to a court issuing an arrest warrant, after which a team from Kolkata traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers to Gurugram to apprehend her. A Delhi magistrate approved a transit remand on the evening of May 30, allowing authorities to transport Panoli to Kolkata, where she is scheduled to appear in court on May 31, 2025.
The arrest has drawn criticism for alleged procedural irregularities. Social media activist Sunaina Holey reported that the police initially lacked proper documentation or a warrant, though they later obtained a magistrate’s order. Critics, including netizens on X, have labeled the arrest as excessive, with some comparing it to treating Panoli “like a terrorist.” Supporters argue that her remarks were a reaction to provocation from a Pakistani troll mocking India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
Panoli issued a public apology on X on May 15, 2025, stating, “I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY whatever was put are my personal feelings and i never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody so if anybody is hurt I’m sorry for the same. I expect co-operation and understanding. Henceforth, i will be cautious in my public post.” She also deleted the controversial video. Despite this, the Maharashtra Police registered an FIR against her on May 20, 2025, under sections 196, 299, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting hatred, outraging religious feelings, and causing public mischief.
The case has fueled polarized discussions on social media, with hashtags like #ReleaseSharmishta and #ArrestSharmishta trending on X. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Waris Pathan publicly demanded her arrest, stating, “No Muslim will tolerate abusive words about our Prophet,” further intensifying the controversy. Some netizens argue that the arrest reflects selective policing under West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, while others view it as a necessary response to hate speech.
Panoli’s legal team is expected to challenge the arrest’s procedural aspects in court, citing the lack of prior notice and the context of her apology. The case has reignited broader debates about free speech, religious sensitivities, and the application of Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings. As the legal proceedings unfold, the controversy continues to draw attention across India.