Did Sharmistha Panoli Escape to Gurugram Before Arrest?
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Synopsis
Prithviraj Panoli, the father of arrested law student Sharmistha Panoli, challenges the police's claims about her whereabouts before her arrest. Discover the details surrounding her alleged internship in Gurugram and the accusations against her, shedding light on the contentious situation.
Key Takeaways
- Sharmistha Panoli is accused of promoting hatred through her social media post.
- Her father has refuted claims that she absconded to Gurugram before her arrest.
- She was reportedly in Gurugram for a law internship.
- The police have been criticized for their handling of the case.
- The situation raises questions about free speech and legal accountability.
Kolkata, June 4 (NationPress) Prithviraj Panoli, the father of Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student and social media influencer recently apprehended by Kolkata Police on allegations of inciting religious sentiments and spreading animosity through her online post, vehemently denied the claims made by the West Bengal government and police that his daughter had fled to Gurugram prior to her arrest.
Since her detention last week, the police have repeatedly asserted in the media that they had initially issued a notice to Panoli based on an FIR lodged against her at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, claiming she had already gone into hiding in Haryana's Gurugram by that time.
The police maintained that an arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Panoli, leading to her eventual arrest.
In a written and video statement on Wednesday, the social media influencer's father countered the police's narrative, asserting that his daughter was in Gurugram for a pre-arranged law internship with a respected lawyer.
“Sharmistha was in Gurugram for a planned internship with a well-known lawyer at Nehru Enclave in Delhi. Earlier, in February and March, she had also interned in Delhi, where she earned a stipend from a reputable law firm in Saket, Delhi,” Prithviraj Panoli stated.
He added that they had been in contact with the West Bengal Police from the day the FIR was filed until May 25.
According to Prithviraj Panoli, his daughter arrived in Kolkata from Pune, where she studies law, on the morning of May 15. He mentioned that they visited the Cyber Police Station at the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar and the Anandapur Police Station, which falls under the city police's jurisdiction, seven times between May 15 and May 19 to report threats received by Sharmistha over her Instagram post.
“I maintained communication with the Lalbazar police until May 26 via WhatsApp, as all our normal calls were disabled to protect against threats we received from across India and abroad. Starting May 22, Sharmistha commenced her internship in Delhi, commuting two hours daily by public transport. She continued her internship until May 29, right before the West Bengal Police arrested her on May 30,” her father claimed.
Prithviraj Panoli also criticized the police for not supplying him with a copy of the FIR against his daughter.
“As per the information I received, the West Bengal Police searched locations in Saharanpur, Noida, and Ghaziabad, despite us being in a single hotel in Gurugram from May 20 until Sharmistha's arrest,” he alleged.
To recap, an FIR was filed against Sharmistha at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15 for posting an Instagram video that contained remarks related to 'Operation Sindoor', which purportedly offended the religious sentiments of a specific community.
In light of the backlash, the law student removed the video and issued a public apology. However, she was ultimately arrested on May 30.
Point of View
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the legal system and free speech. As the National Editor-in-Chief, it's crucial to examine both sides, ensuring that justice is served while protecting individual rights. The claims made by Prithviraj Panoli raise questions about police procedures and the implications of online expression, navigating the fine line between accountability and censorship.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Sharmistha Panoli's arrest?
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments and promoting hatred through her social media post.
Did she really abscond to Gurugram?
Her father claims she was in Gurugram for a legitimate law internship and did not abscond.
What is the nature of the allegations against her?
The allegations stem from an Instagram video she posted, which reportedly offended a particular community.
What actions did her father take after the FIR was registered?
Prithviraj Panoli maintained communication with the police and reported threats received by his daughter.
What was the police's response regarding her whereabouts?
The police claimed she had gone into hiding in Gurugram based on an FIR filed against her.
