Why is Bengal BJP Questioning Kolkata Police's Overnight Action in Sharmistha Panoli Case?
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Synopsis
The BJP's Bengal unit challenges the Kolkata Police's rapid response in the case of Sharmistha Panoli, a law student accused of offending religious sentiments. This incident raises questions about political motivations and the perceived injustice in handling similar cases, highlighting the ongoing tensions in West Bengal's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP criticizes the Kolkata Police's rapid action against Sharmistha Panoli.
- Panoli's comments were made in a now-deleted video that sparked controversy.
- The BJP claims the police's actions are politically motivated.
- Legal support has been offered to Panoli by the BJP.
- The case highlights ongoing tensions between political parties in West Bengal.
Kolkata, June 1 (NationPress) The BJP's Bengal division on Sunday raised concerns regarding the 'swift' action taken by the Kolkata Police against Sharmistha Panoli, a law student accused of offending the religious sentiments of a specific community, labeling the action as a political vendetta.
The president of West Bengal BJP and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, questioned the rationale behind Panoli's arrest over a now-deleted video.
Panoli had issued a public apology, even though her video did not incite any communal riots or unrest, Majumdar stated.
'No riots. No unrest. Yet, Mamata Banerjee's police acted quickly, not for justice, but for political appeasement. When TMC leaders insult Sanatan Dharma, mock Jai Shri Ram, and spread communal discord, there are no FIRs, no arrests, and no apologies. This is a clear case of political retaliation,' Majumdar asserted.
Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, took to social media to question why the city police had previously overlooked comments from Trinamool Congress leaders that had offended Hindu sentiments.
Adhikari highlighted the inconsistency in Kolkata Police's response to Panoli's remarks, made in relation to the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindus were specifically targeted. He noted that she deleted her statement and apologized.
He cited three instances of inflammatory remarks: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement that 'Maha Kumbh is Mrityu Kumbh', Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's comment that 'Kali to me is a meat-eating, alcohol-accepting Goddess', and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim's assertion that 'Those not born in Islam are unfortunate', advocating for conversion.
Adhikari questioned the inaction of Kolkata Police when Hindu idols were vandalized or during incidents of stone-pelting on Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti.
'DG@WBPolice, where is your resolve when Anubrata Mondal threatens your subordinate's family?' Adhikari's statement read.
He also assured that the BJP would extend legal assistance to Panoli.
'I assure everyone that nationalist lawyers are taking up Sharmistha's case, and the best legal defense will be ensured, freeing her from the oppressive Mamata Police,' he stated.
An FIR was filed against Panoli at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15 for her Instagram video that allegedly hurt a particular community's religious sentiments.
Following significant backlash, she deleted the video and apologized. However, after an initial notice failed to reach her as she was in hiding in Gurugram, an arrest warrant was issued. Ultimately, she was apprehended in Gurugram.
The 22-year-old student was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on Saturday morning and taken back to Kolkata on transit remand the same day.
Panoli appeared in a Kolkata court on Saturday afternoon and, after a thorough hearing, was remanded to judicial custody until June 13.
Point of View
It is essential to present an unbiased view of the ongoing tensions in West Bengal politics. The situation surrounding Sharmistha Panoli reflects broader societal issues regarding freedom of expression and the role of law enforcement in politically charged environments. It is crucial to ensure that all voices are heard while upholding the principles of justice and accountability.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Sharmistha Panoli's arrest?
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested due to an FIR filed against her for an Instagram video that allegedly hurt the religious sentiments of a specific community.
Why does the BJP believe the police action is politically motivated?
The BJP claims the swift arrest was a politically motivated act to appease certain groups, especially since no action was taken against comments made by TMC leaders.
What support is BJP offering to Sharmistha Panoli?
The BJP has promised to provide legal assistance to Sharmistha Panoli through nationalist lawyers.
What were the contentious comments made by TMC leaders?
TMC leaders made remarks that were deemed offensive to Hindu sentiments, including disparaging comments about religious events and deities.
What is the current status of Sharmistha Panoli's case?
Sharmistha Panoli is currently in judicial custody until June 13 following her arrest and court appearance.
