The arrest of Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli by the Kolkata Police has triggered a significant political controversy, with accusations of "vote-bank vendetta" and selective targeting dominating the narrative. The 22-year-old law student was apprehended in Gurugram, Haryana, on Friday night and subsequently remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Kolkata court on Saturday. The arrest stems from a social media video where Panoli allegedly made communal remarks regarding Bollywood actors' silence on "Operation Sindoor," leading to accusations of hurting religious sentiments.
According to Kolkata Police, multiple attempts were made to serve legal notices to Panoli and her family regarding the FIR lodged against her at Garden Reach Police Station. However, these attempts were unsuccessful as Panoli and her family were reportedly absconding. Consequently, a warrant was issued by the court, leading to her arrest in Gurugram. The police have also seized her phone and laptop to investigate whether any manipulated or offensive content remains on her devices. She has been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, and inciting public mischief.
The arrest has ignited a political firestorm, particularly in West Bengal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of "appeasement politics." BJP leaders, including West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, have alleged that the TMC government is selectively targeting individuals from the Sanatani community while ignoring similar offenses committed by TMC leaders. Adhikari cited instances where FIRs were filed against TMC leaders like Mahua Moitra and Saayoni Ghosh for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Hindu deities, but no action was taken against them. He argued that the state government is using religion as a political tool to secure its vote bank, especially with the upcoming Bengal elections in 2026.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from other political figures. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi condemned Panoli's video and called for stricter penalties for those who hurt religious sentiments, suggesting a minimum 10-year sentence. Meanwhile, Dutch politician Geert Wilders has voiced his support for Panoli, calling her arrest a "disgrace for freedom of speech" and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
Adding another layer to the debate, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has also spoken out in support of Panoli, stating that while she may have used some unpleasant words, her apology should have been enough, and her immediate release is warranted.
Panoli's advocate, Md Samimuddin, has moved a bail application before the court, arguing that the articles allegedly used in the video, including her mobile phone and laptop, have already been seized. While the court rejected the prosecution's request for police custody, Panoli remains in judicial custody until June 13, 2025.
The Kolkata Police have defended their actions, stating that all legal procedures were duly adhered to and that Panoli was absconding, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant. They have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and rely on authentic sources.
The case has sparked a wider debate on freedom of expression, digital responsibility, and the potential for selective outrage. While some argue that Panoli's remarks were offensive and warranted legal action, others contend that her apology should have been sufficient, and her arrest is a politically motivated attempt to appease certain vote banks. The incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding social media content, religious sentiments, and the increasing politicization of legal proceedings in India.
