Kangana Ranaut has voiced her support for Sharmishta Panoli, an influencer who was recently arrested following controversial remarks made regarding "Operation Sindoor" and the perceived silence of Bollywood celebrities on the matter. Panoli's arrest by the Kolkata Police in Gurugram, Haryana, has sparked debate and drawn attention to the balance between freedom of expression and responsible social media usage.

"Operation Sindoor," a military strike conducted on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack, has become a focal point of national discussion. Panoli criticized Bollywood actors for their alleged lack of response to the operation. Her statements included what some considered offensive remarks against a particular community, leading to severe backlash and threats on social media.

Following the controversy, Panoli deleted the video and issued an unconditional apology on X (formerly Twitter) on May 15th, stating that she did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiments and would be more cautious in the future. Despite the apology, a complaint had already been filed against her at the Garden Reach Police Station in Kolkata. After reportedly attempting to notify Panoli and her family multiple times without response, the court issued an arrest warrant. Panoli was subsequently arrested and presented before the Alipore Court in Kolkata, where she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13th.

Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, took to social media to defend Panoli. Ranaut stated that while Panoli's words may have been unpleasant, many youngsters use such language today. She emphasized that Panoli had already apologized and that should be sufficient, arguing against further harassment and demanding her immediate release. Ranaut has previously praised the Indian female military officers involved in Operation Sindoor.

The arrest and subsequent reactions have ignited a social media storm, with hashtags like #ReleaseSharmishta and #ArrestSharmishta trending. The case has become a lightning rod for discussions about the limits of free speech, the responsibility of influencers, and the potential for online expression to incite offense or hatred. Some argue that Panoli's remarks crossed a line and warranted legal action, while others believe that her apology should have been enough and that her arrest is an overreaction. The debate also encompasses concerns about the targeting and harassment of individuals on social media for expressing controversial opinions.

The situation also highlights the ongoing tensions and heightened sensitivity surrounding India-Pakistan relations and military operations. "Operation Sindoor" itself has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, with some political figures demanding transparency regarding potential losses incurred during the operation. The intersection of national security, freedom of expression, and social media responsibility continues to be a complex and challenging issue, as demonstrated by the case of Sharmishta Panoli and the reactions it has provoked.