June 1, 2025 — Kolkata: The Kolkata Police have arrested Instagram influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli from Gurugram, Haryana, following a video she uploaded in connection with the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor’ campaign. The video, in which she allegedly made objectionable remarks targeting a specific religious community, quickly triggered outrage and legal action.
While controversy around her comments escalated, Panoli soon deleted the video and issued a public apology. However, her arrest has since sparked a fierce political debate, especially after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan came forward to defend her, accusing West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of bias.
Pawan Kalyan Takes a Stand: “Why Selective Outrage?”
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan questioned the motive behind the swift police action. “Sharmistha Panoli, a law student, shared her views on Operation Sindoor. Some found her words offensive. She accepted her mistake, deleted the video, and apologized. Yet, West Bengal Police acted immediately and arrested her,” he wrote.
Kalyan also questioned the TMC’s silence over its own party members’ controversial remarks. “When elected MPs from TMC mock Sanatan Dharma and hurt the sentiments of millions, where is the outrage then?” he asked.
“Why No Arrests for Insulting Hinduism?”
In a pointed attack, Pawan Kalyan added, “When our faith is called a ‘filthy religion,’ where is the anger? Where are the apologies? Why aren’t those leaders being arrested immediately?” He stressed that secularism must not be a shield for some and a sword against others, calling on the West Bengal Police to act with fairness and consistency. “The entire country is watching. I stand with Sharmistha,” he concluded.
BJP Slams Arrest as “Illegal” and “Politically Motivated”
Echoing similar sentiments, West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also criticized Panoli’s arrest, calling it unlawful and politically driven. He alleged that the TMC is trying to appease a particular vote bank while ignoring similar instances involving its own leaders.
Adhikari questioned the inaction over past incidents, citing MP Mahua Moitra’s controversial remarks about Goddess Kali. “Despite an FIR, what action was actually taken against her?” he asked.
Political and Legal Tensions Intensify
The arrest of Sharmistha Panoli has now become a flashpoint in the wider political narrative involving freedom of expression, religious sensitivities, and alleged double standards in law enforcement. While police maintain they acted in accordance with the law due to the communal nature of the video, critics say the move reflects selective accountability.
As the debate deepens, all eyes are now on the TMC government and law enforcement agencies as the case unfolds, amid growing national attention and political pressure.
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