Did Bengal LoP Attack Kolkata Police After Sharmistha Panoli's Bail?
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Synopsis
In a recent development, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, lambasted the police for their actions against law student Sharmistha Panoli. The Calcutta High Court’s observations during Panoli's bail hearing have raised questions about the police's motives. This article explores the implications of the court's ruling and the political dynamics at play.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court criticized the police's handling of Panoli's case.
- Suvendu Adhikari claims police are politically motivated.
- Panoli's arrest raises questions about justice and fairness.
- The bench's observations could impact future police actions.
- Political accountability is crucial in law enforcement.
Kolkata, June 5 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted that the remarks made by the Calcutta High Court while granting interim bail to Sharmistha Panoli, the law student who was detained by Kolkata Police for allegedly offending religious sentiments, highlight how the state police are selectively active in cases to appease the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Adhikari expressed his approval of the interim bail granted by the single-judge vacation bench led by Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury on Thursday, stating that justice had been delivered to Panoli.
He argued that her arrest over a social media post, which she later deleted and apologized for, exemplified the abuses of power by Kolkata Police against an “innocent young woman”.
“This incident is another instance of police overenthusiasm and a desire to satisfy their political masters,” Adhikari remarked.
This is not the first occasion Adhikari has criticized police actions regarding Panoli’s arrest. Previously, he pointed out that while police have been extremely active in cases like Panoli’s, they have been notably inactive when prominent Trinamool Congress leaders made comments that offended the religious sentiments of Hindus.
BJP state president and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, also welcomed the bail decision, stating that this case further illustrates the Trinamool Congress's culture of appeasement politics, where the law is manipulated and dissenters are targeted.
Notably, certain remarks from the single-judge vacation bench during the granting of Panoli's interim bail could be quite embarrassing for law enforcement. The bench noted that the arrest warrant issued against Panoli was mechanical and conducted without proper assessment of whether a cognizable offence actually occurred.
The court also pointed out that the process of serving notice was ongoing while she was outside of Kolkata.
An FIR was filed against Panoli at the Garden Reach Police Station on May 15 due to an Instagram video where she made comments related to 'Operation Sindoor' that allegedly offended a particular community's religious sentiments.
Under pressure, the law student removed the video and issued an apology. However, she was arrested on May 30 in Gurugram.
On May 31, a trial court in Kolkata remanded her to judicial custody until June 13.
Point of View
The recent developments in the case of Sharmistha Panoli highlight significant concerns surrounding police conduct and the potential misuse of power for political gain. The Calcutta High Court's remarks serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and fairness in law enforcement, especially when the political landscape is polarized. It is vital for the rule of law to prevail, ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of political affiliations.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments due to a controversial social media post.
What did the Calcutta High Court say about her arrest?
The Court remarked that the arrest warrant was issued mechanically, without proper evaluation of a cognizable offence.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent member of the BJP.
What is the significance of interim bail?
Interim bail allows the accused to be released from custody while awaiting a more permanent decision on their case.
What implications does this case have for police conduct?
This case raises concerns about police overreach and selective enforcement in politically sensitive situations.
