Sharmishta Panoli: Viral video, arrest, political firestorm

A 22-year-old law student from Pune Law University, Sharmishta Panoli, with a following of over 1,75,000 on X and Instagram, found herself in legal trouble after posting a video about Operation Sindoor that triggered widespread condemnation. 

Known for her short, often profanity-laden social media videos, Panoli has a polarised audience—some admire her boldness, while others denounce her content as offensive and divisive. The now-deleted video, which reportedly criticised actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor, was a response to a user questioning India’s military actions against Pakistan, asking why India opened fire “without any valid reason.” 

Panoli allegedly used abusive language in the video, which was accused of insulting a community and Prophet Muhammad, one who should not be illustrated in pictures, let alone condemned or abused. Despite her issuing an unconditional apology and deleting the video, the backlash persisted. 

Kolkata Police reported that Panoli went into hiding after multiple legal notices were issued following an FIR. She was eventually arrested in Gurugram and placed in judicial custody until June 13. As she exited the court, Panoli remarked, “The way this harassment is being done in a democracy, this is not democracy.”  Her arrest has since fuelled a heated political controversy.

What happened

On May 14, AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan highlighted Panoli’s video on X, accusing her of insulting Islam and fostering communal discord. He tagged the union home minister, calling for her arrest, which set off a chain of events.

The following day, May 15, Panoli shared an apology on X: “I do hereby tender my unconditional apology. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody, so if anybody is hurt, I’m sorry for the same. I expect co-operation and understanding. Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies.” Despite the apology, the Kolkata Police tracked her down in Gurugram on May 30, stating that she had evaded multiple attempts to serve legal notices, as she and her family had allegedly absconded. 

What Sharmishta Panoli said

In response to a social media user’s query about India’s attack on Pakistan, Panoli used inflammatory language: “Earlier, I used to think Nabi was delusional as he thought 72 hoors would be waiting for them in heaven, but this woman (a social media user) is even more delusional, she thinks India opened fire without any reason. Have you heard of the Pahalgam attack and other terrorists that your nation has been sponsoring? Should we not retaliate? We are not the devotees of Mahatma Gandhi anymore.”

Why the backlash

The video drew sharp criticism, particularly from Muslims, in India and globally, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam and their prophet. Hashtags like #ArrestSharmishta trended, and Panoli reportedly faced death and rape threats. Even after deleting the post and apologising, the legal repercussions had already taken hold. 

Charges against Panoli

Multiple FIRs were filed against her in Kolkata. A senior police officer explained, “The case pertains to an Instagram video by a woman named Sharmishta Panoli that hurt the religious sentiments of members of a particular community.” She faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 196(1)(a) for promoting enmity between religious groups, Section 299 for deliberately outraging religious sentiments, Section 352 for intentional insult likely to provoke unrest, and Section 353(1)(c) for statements inciting public mischief. While some social media users and political figures called the arrest “unlawful,” Kolkata Police defended their actions, stating that Panoli had gone into hiding despite repeated notices. 

Kolkata Police’s statement 

Kolkata Police clarified on X: “In reference to Garden Reach Police Station Case No. 136 dated 15.05.2025, certain social media narratives suggesting an unlawful arrest of a law student are factually incorrect and misleading.” They wrote, “All legal procedures were duly adhered to. All attempts were made to serve notice, but she was found absconding on every occasion. Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued by the competent court, following which she was apprehended lawfully from Gurgaon.” 

International support 

Panoli received backing from Dutch Parliament member Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom, who called her arrest a “disgrace for freedom of speech” and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure her release. 

Political reactions to Panoli’s arrest

The arrest has turned into a political lightning rod, with opposition leaders accusing the West Bengal government of selective enforcement and appeasement. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi told ANI, “A law should be formulated against such people which gives a punishment of at least 10 years.” 

Meanwhile, BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut defended Panoli on Instagram, stating, “I agree that  used some unpleasant words for her expression, but such words most youngsters use these days. She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully and harass her further. She should be released immediately.” 
 
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging bias against Hindus: “FIR was filed against Mahua Moitra also. She made derogatory comments about Goddess Kali. Was any action taken? What did their (TMC) MP, Saayoni Ghosh, post regarding Mahadev? Was any action taken? There have been so many FIRs against Firhad Hakim, but there has been no action.” He added, “The action is only taken against Sanatanis. Everyone here has a licence to abuse Sanatana. This is appeasement politics. A certain community is their vote bank and this is for appeasement.”  

BJP's social media chief Amit Malviya also weighed in, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of double standards: “This isn’t just about Bengal — this is about how a young Hindu woman is being targeted to appease a vote bank.” He further stated, “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself has made far more divisive statements, which have had far-reaching consequences, including tragic loss of life and destruction of property on multiple occasions. Will the law be applied to her with the same urgency? India is watching. This isn’t just a case in West Bengal — it reflects how a young Hindu woman is being targeted to appease a vote bank. Justice must not be politically convenient.” 

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan noted that Panoli had apologised for her mistake, questioning TMC’s lack of action when Sanatana Dharma is mocked: “Where is the outrage when our faith is called ‘Gandha Dharm’? Where is their apology? Where is their swift arrest?”

Congress leader and Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram criticised the arrest, stating on X, “These interstate arrests for social media posts (unless it’s clearly demonstrated that it has lead to a law and order situation) is blatantly a misuse of police powers.” 

Panoli’s arrest has reignited discussions on the fragile balance between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in India’s digital space. While some argue for accountability in public discourse, others caution against selective enforcement and the suppression of dissent. As her case progresses in court, it continues to drive a larger conversation about the boundaries of free speech in a democracy.