Why Was Student Sharmistha Panoli Arrested for Hurting Religious Sentiments?
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Synopsis
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student in Kolkata, finds herself at the center of a controversy after her arrest for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. As she seeks her fundamental rights in judicial custody, the implications of her case raise questions about freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in India.
Key Takeaways
- Sharmistha Panoli faces serious allegations that challenge her legal rights.
- The impact of social media on freedom of expression is under scrutiny.
- The case raises important questions about religious sensitivities in contemporary India.
- Political reactions highlight the complexities of law enforcement actions.
- Understanding the balance between justice and public sentiment is crucial.
Kolkata, June 2 (NationPress) Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student, was recently apprehended by Kolkata Police on allegations of offending religious sentiments and instigating discord. On Monday, she appealed to a local court, asserting that her fundamental rights during judicial custody were being infringed upon.
Currently, she is detained at Alipore Women’s Correctional Home in South Kolkata, where she is expected to remain until June 13, as mandated by a court order issued on Saturday.
Her attorney, Mohd Samimuddin, informed the media that Panoli is suffering from kidney stones and requires better hygiene standards, which are not being met at the correctional facility.
“Moreover, she has been deprived of access to newspapers and other essentials, which are her basic rights. A petition was submitted to the court on Monday requesting that the correctional home management restore her access to these rights. She is innocent, and we are actively working to secure her bail,” stated Samimuddin.
To recap, an FIR was filed against Panoli at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, after she posted an Instagram video making remarks about 'Operation Sindoor', which allegedly offended the sentiments of a specific community.
Facing backlash, she deleted the video and issued a public apology. However, by that time, the police had already issued a notice, which went unheeded as she was in hiding in Gurugram, Haryana.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, leading to her capture by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on Saturday morning, after which she was transported back to Kolkata under transit remand.
Panoli was taken before the city court on Saturday afternoon, where, following a thorough hearing, she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13.
BJP leaders in West Bengal, including the Leader of the Opposition and state BJP president, have criticized the swift action taken by Kolkata Police against Panoli, labeling it as a move for vote-bank politics.
Adhikari remarked that the police were overly aggressive in arresting Panoli for comments made in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindus were specifically targeted, a statement she later retracted and apologized for.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the Sharmistha Panoli case with a balanced perspective. The intersection of law, freedom of expression, and the sensitivities surrounding religious sentiments is delicate. While the legal system must uphold the rights of the accused, it must also consider the broader societal implications of such cases, ensuring justice and public safety.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were brought against Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting disharmony through her social media posts.
Where is Sharmistha Panoli currently held?
She is currently detained at Alipore Women’s Correctional Home in South Kolkata.
What is the status of her legal battle?
Panoli's legal team has filed a petition in court to ensure that her basic rights are respected during her judicial custody.
What was the public response to her arrest?
Political leaders and commentators have expressed concerns about the swift actions taken by the Kolkata Police, labeling it as politically motivated.
When is she expected to be released?
She is currently remanded to judicial custody until June 13, pending further legal proceedings.
