A fresh development has emerged in the Sharmistha Panoli controversy, as an FIR has now been filed against Wajahat Khan — the individual who initially lodged a complaint in the case. Khan is accused of using objectionable language on social media platforms, with allegations that his posts promoted communal hatred and hurt religious sentiments.
The case has been officially registered at Kolkata’s Golf Green police station. According to police reports, the FIR has been filed under sections 196(1)(a), 299, 352, and 353(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — India’s newly introduced criminal code. The complaint was submitted in writing by a local resident.
Multiple Complaints Across Kolkata, Including Garden Reach
Sources within the police department have confirmed that similar complaints against Khan have been filed in other police stations across Kolkata. One such report has been filed at Garden Reach Police Station — the same location where the primary FIR was lodged against influencer Sharmistha Panoli.
FIR Filed in Assam, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Confirms Action
The case has also taken a national turn with an FIR being registered against Khan in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that legal action had been initiated following Khan’s allegedly offensive remarks about Goddess Kamakhya. CM Sarma stated:
“Assam Police has registered a case in response to the unacceptable remarks made by an individual against Maa Kamakhya. We will seek assistance from the West Bengal Government to bring him to Assam to face the law.”
BJP Leader Files Complaint, Cyber Crime Unit Involved
The matter has also drawn political attention. Tarunjyoti Tiwari, a leader from the West Bengal BJP, has lodged a complaint against Khan at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station. Authorities are now investigating digital evidence to verify the content and origin of the posts in question.
Wajahat’s Father Speaks Out: “My Son Is Innocent”
In an exclusive report by India Today, the residence of Wajahat Khan was located. As per the report, Khan has been missing since Sunday night. His father, Saadat Khan, has publicly defended his son, stating:
“My son is innocent and has always upheld secular values. He would never insult any religion.”
Saadat also claimed that Wajahat’s social media account may have been hacked, and alleged that the family has received multiple threats since Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest. He emphasized that his family respects all religions and believes in peaceful coexistence.
Background: Why Was Sharmistha Panoli Arrested?
Social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli was recently arrested for a controversial video that sparked intense backlash online. In the video — which has since been deleted — she criticized Bollywood celebrities for their silence on the “Operation Sindoor” incident.
However, the video reportedly included derogatory language targeting a specific religious community, which led to widespread outrage and prompted police to take legal action against her. She was arrested following the registration of a formal complaint.
This case continues to evolve, with authorities from multiple states now involved. Both Sharmistha Panoli and Wajahat Khan face serious legal scrutiny over the use of social media to allegedly incite religious disharmony, raising questions about digital responsibility, hate speech, and the limits of online expression in a diverse country like India.
