The recent arrest of law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli in Gurugram has ignited widespread criticism and debate across political and social spheres. Panoli was taken into custody by Kolkata police over a communally sensitive social media post related to “Operation Sindoor.” The influencer had also publicly criticized Bollywood actors for their silence on the issue, which further intensified the controversy.
Several prominent figures, including Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and BJP ally Pawan Kalyan, actress-politician Kangana Ranaut, and Dutch MP Geert Wilders, condemned the arrest and expressed concerns over freedom of expression and alleged political bias.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan criticized the West Bengal police for arresting Panoli despite her acknowledgment of the mistake, deletion of the contentious video, and issuance of a public apology. Speaking on X, he highlighted the perceived double standards in the treatment of communal sensitivities, stating, “But what about the deep, searing pain inflicted upon millions when elected leaders, MPs of TMC, mock Sanatana Dharma? Where is the outrage when our faith is called ‘Gandha Dharm’? Where is their apology? Where is their swift arrest?” He further emphasized that “secularism must be a two-way street,” calling for equal application of the law and justice.
In response, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to foment communal unrest through divisive politics in the state. She rejected the BJP’s narrative by asserting that its “gandha dharma” was antithetical to the true principles of Hinduism. Deputy Chief Minister Kalyan reiterated the call for justice and fairness, stating, “Blasphemy must be condemned, always! Secularism isn’t a shield for some and a sword for others. It must be a two-way street. West Bengal Police, the nation is watching. Act justly for all.”
Dutch MP Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom in The Netherlands, also weighed in, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure Panoli’s release. On X, Wilders condemned the arrest as “a disgrace for freedom of speech” and called on the Indian government not to punish her for speaking out on sensitive topics. Wilders has previously supported BJP’s Nupur Sharma during similar controversies.
BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut publicly supported Panoli’s immediate release, acknowledging that while Panoli’s words were “unpleasant,” her apology should suffice to end the matter. Ranaut condemned further harassment and bullying against the influencer.
Amidst growing backlash, Kolkata police clarified that the arrest was lawful and that all legal procedures had been followed meticulously. They also cautioned against misinformation suggesting that the arrest was unlawful.
The incident has once again spotlighted the delicate balance between freedom of expression and communal sensitivities in India’s complex social and political landscape.
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