Kolkata, June 1, 2025, 11:38 AM IST – The arrest of 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli has ignited a fierce political controversy in West Bengal, with prominent leaders accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of engaging in selective enforcement and “appeasement politics.” Panoli’s detention, following her alleged communal remarks in a now-deleted video, has drawn sharp criticism from political figures across India and even internationally, raising questions about freedom of speech and equitable application of the law.
Panoli, a student from Pune known for her provocative social media presence, was arrested by West Bengal Police on Thursday in Gurugram, Haryana. The arrest stemmed from a video in which she allegedly used “derogatory and disrespectful” language targeting a specific religious community while critiquing Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor. Although Panoli deleted the video and issued a public apology, authorities proceeded with her arrest, prompting widespread backlash.
West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar condemned the arrest as politically motivated, alleging a double standard in the state’s law enforcement. “Sharmistha Panoli, 22, law student, arrested for a now-deleted video and a public apology. No riots. No unrest. Yet Mamata Banerjee’s police acted overnight — not for justice, but for appeasement,” Majumdar stated on X. He further criticized the government’s inaction against its own leaders, adding, “But when TMC leaders insult Sanatan Dharma, call Jai Shri Ram a gaali, mock Maha Kumbh, and push communal poison — there’s no FIR, no arrest, no apology. This is not justice. This is vote-bank vendetta. India is watching.”
The controversy has transcended national borders, with Dutch MP Geert Wilders weighing in on X: “Free the brave Sharmishta Panoli! It’s a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don’t punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad. Help her @narendramodi!” His remarks underscore the international attention the case has garnered, amplifying the debate over freedom of expression.
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut also voiced support for Panoli on Saturday via Instagram Stories, arguing that the response to the incident was disproportionate. “I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression but such words most youngsters use these days,” Ranaut wrote. “She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully or harass her further. She should be released immediately.”
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan echoed these sentiments, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in addressing religious sensitivities. “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 questioned on X. “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.”
Maharashtra BJP leader Nitesh Rane added to the chorus of criticism, pointing to a pattern of selective outrage. “Ramgiri Maharaj speaks the truth..it’s a problem.. Sharmistha speaks the truth.. apologies about it.. deletes the posts.. it’s still a problem.. but when Sanatha Dharma is attacked every day by the WB TMC leaders .. there is no apology.. why?” he wrote on X. “Then the secular kidas come out to give lectures.. where is the so called Sarv dharma Sama Bhav gone then? Jago HINDU Jago!”
The arrest of Sharmishta Panoli has not only spotlighted the contentious issue of free speech in India but also exposed deep-seated political and communal fault lines. As the nation watches the unfolding debate on this significant day of June 1, 2025, the West Bengal government faces mounting pressure to address allegations of bias and ensure that justice is applied uniformly, irrespective of political or communal affiliations.
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