Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 31, 2025 : The arrest of social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli by the Kolkata Police has ignited a fierce political and social debate. The 22-year-old law student and online personality was taken into custody on May 29, 2025, in Haryana’s Gurugram for allegedly making controversial remarks related to India’s Operation Sindoor, which sparked widespread outrage and led to her facing online death threats, including rape and violence.
The arrest follows a video posted by Panoli on May 14, where she made derogatory comments accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor, the Indian military operation in response to a deadly terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, left 24 Hindu pilgrims dead, allegedly targeted due to their religious identity. In the video, Panoli voiced her protest against Pakistan’s alleged involvement, leading to her controversial statements that were seen as offensive to a particular religious community.
Legal and Procedural Debate:
While Panoli quickly deleted the video and publicly apologized for her remarks, the backlash continued. Her video went viral, particularly among a section of the Muslim community in Pakistan and India, where it was perceived as an “insult to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.” A coordinated online campaign followed, with threats against Panoli’s life, including rape, death, and calls for her beheading (a reference to the infamous “saar tan se juda” jihad slogan).
The Kolkata Police, however, defended their actions, stating that all legal procedures were followed during Panoli’s arrest. According to authorities, a warrant for Panoli’s arrest had been issued after she failed to respond to multiple notices. The police traveled over 1,500 km to arrest her in Gurugram, where she was brought to Kolkata on transit remand. The Alipore Court then sent her to judicial custody until June 13, 2025.
In contrast, social activists and some online users have rallied behind Panoli, arguing that her arrest was politically motivated and unlawful. Sunaina Hole, a prominent social activist, criticized the police, claiming they had initially lacked proper arrest documents. While this was later resolved with a magistrate’s order, Hole’s accusations of procedural missteps have drawn attention to the legal questions surrounding Panoli’s arrest.
Political Repercussions:
The incident has set off a political firestorm in West Bengal, particularly between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition parties. The opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has seized on the controversy to launch scathing attacks against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government. BJP leaders, including Khagen Murmu, have alleged that the state government is “appeasing” certain communities at the expense of Hindus, accusing Banerjee of turning the state into a “Bangladesh-like” territory where Hindus are under constant threat.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh took the criticism further, linking the situation to broader religious tensions in the state. “In this state, flags of Hamas, Palestine, Pakistan, and even ISIS are seen. Yet the Ram Navami flag is being removed from cars. Is Kolkata being transformed into Dhaka?” Ghosh said, criticizing the state’s political climate, which he argues undermines Hindu identity.
A Divided Public:
The public response to Panoli’s arrest has been sharply divided. Many have expressed support for the influencer, calling for justice and fairness in handling online speech. Some critics of her arrest have noted that while her remarks may have been inappropriate, the threats of violence against her should have been investigated first. Meanwhile, others argue that Panoli’s video was a clear case of incitement and should have consequences.
The situation has also drawn attention to the growing influence of social media in Indian politics and society. Influencers like Panoli, who have large followings, now face heightened scrutiny, with their online actions having the potential to stir controversy and provoke violence, as evidenced by the online mob that targeted her.
BJP Protests and Future Developments:
The BJP has announced a state-wide protest in response to Panoli’s arrest, with planned rallies and demonstrations across West Bengal. A major protest program is also scheduled for April 12, 2025, during Hanuman Jayanti, which the BJP sees as an opportunity to further galvanize public opposition to the TMC’s policies and actions.
Meanwhile, Panoli’s legal team is preparing for her court appearance, where she will be seeking bail. Her arrest has also raised questions about free speech, the role of social media influencers, and the balance between protecting public order and ensuring individual rights in an increasingly polarized political climate.
As the situation continues to unfold, both legal and political experts are closely monitoring the developments, particularly as it pertains to the freedom of expression in the digital age and the challenges of balancing national security, communal harmony, and individual rights.