Following Operation Sindoor, a surge of FIRs are being filed and several people are getting arrested for making controversial remarks. Social media is full of heated discussions, and many people have come under the scanner. One name that’s grabbing a lot of attention is Sharmistha Panoli, an Instagram influencer and law student. Her recent communal comments have led to legal trouble and put her in the middle of a big online debate.
Here is why Sharmistha Panoli got arrested
Social media is a wild and unpredictable space. While it gives everyone a platform to speak freely, it also comes with serious risks. Sometimes, being too outspoken or posting without thinking can land people in big trouble. That’s what happened with Sharmistha Panoli, a law student and Instagram influencer, whose video after Operation Sindoor went viral for all the wrong reasons. Her post had communal remarks that many found offensive, leading to a huge uproar online.
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On May 31, 2025, Kolkata Police arrested her from Gurugram, Haryana, after multiple attempts to serve her notice failed. She had been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting hatred and hurting religious sentiments.
The FIR was filed at Garden Reach Police Station, and after she went into hiding with her family, a court-issued warrant finally led to her arrest. Soon after her arrest, she was taken to the Alipore Court in Kolkata, where the judge ordered 14 days of judicial custody. Kolkata Police later clarified on X that her arrest was lawful, dismissing claims that it was unjust.
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Have a look at the tweet,
Sharmishta Panoli used extreme remarks in her now-deleted viral video
The 22 year old content creator was arrested due to her controversial video where she used extreme remarks. In the now-deleted video, she apparently responded to a Pakistani follower who had questioned India’s decision to launch Operation Sindoor. Instead of offering a calm or reasoned reply, Sharmistha launched into an aggressive rant, using strong and offensive language.
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She made remarks that not only crossed the line but also deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. At one point in the video, she mocked the Prophet and ridiculed beliefs related to the concept of heaven, saying,
“Earlier, I used to think Nabi was delusional as he thought 72 hoors would be waiting for them in heaven, but this woman (referring to the one who asked the question) is even more delusional.”
She then went on to say,
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“She thinks India opened fire without any reason. Have you heard of the Pahalgam attack and other terrorists that your nation has been sponsoring? Should we not retaliate? We are not the devotees of Mahatma Gandhi anymore?”
Her remarks stirred widespread outrage across communities and platforms.
What made matters worse was the tone and language she chose to use. Her video was filled with abusive slurs and aggressive statements, which quickly grabbed the attention netizens.
In another clip, she went further, calling out Bollywood actors especially the three Khans – Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan for their silence and convenient stance. She particularly targeted YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, accusing him of being too soft on Pakistan and calling them “his brother and sister”. She called him a “hypocrite”. These statements, again laced with foul language, only added fuel to the fire.
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Have a look at it,
Welldone Kolkata police ….Kolkata Police has arrested Pune law student and Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli from Gurgaon, Haryana where she had posted a video criticising some celebrities, the Muslim community and making personal attacks on Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). pic.twitter.com/q6S6UhMZyL
— Md. Abdullah (@mda524360) May 31, 2025
Divided reactions even after Sharmishta issued an apology
After her controversial video sparked outrage, Sharmistha Panoli deleted all related posts and shared a story on Instagram, offering an unconditional apology. She stated that the remarks were her personal opinions and not meant to hurt anyone, adding that she would be more careful with her public statements in the future. However, by then, the damage was already done. Her lawyer, Md Samimuddin, confirmed that a bail application had been filed in court.
The public reaction to her apology has been sharply divided. While a section of her followers stood by her right to speak freely and are condemning her arrest, some also strongly criticized her for spreading hate and using offensive language.
So Sharmistha got arrested by Kolkata Police all the way from Delhi even after deleting her posts and immediately apologizing that too unconditionally?
She’s only 19 years old and still learning the right and wrong about life could have went with just a strict warning only.But… pic.twitter.com/OvF7dwSFWN
— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) May 31, 2025
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A Hindu girl apologized and deleted her video. Still arrested.
But those who mock Sanatan, insult Ram, and laugh at Shivling walk free.
This isn’t just about #Sharmistha . It’s about every one of us.
Speak now—or stay silent forever.#ReleaseSharmistha pic.twitter.com/ubB5q7xzTr
— Adarsh (@Adarsh_Jha_07) May 31, 2025
She is Saayoni Ghosh, now a TMC MP from Jadavpur, West Bengal.
She never gets arrested for her derogatory posts on Bhagwan Shiv ji. She never apologised too
But Kolkata Police arrested Sharmistha for rolling Pakistanis and one religious remark for which she already apologised. pic.twitter.com/m52nds3FJK
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) May 31, 2025
How many tweets for #sharmistha from
•Arfa
•Rana
•Ravish
•SecularsAbsolutely NONE,
because victim is HINDU and state is NOT RULED BY BJP. pic.twitter.com/qevfUvephE
— ThtKashmiriGuy (@ThtKashmiriGuy) May 31, 2025
I do not support the language/comments used by her BUT
I am shocked to see that The Kolkata Police travelled 1500 km from West Bengal to Gurgaon to apprehend Sharmistha, a 22-year-old law student, for expressing her opinion about Pakistan. Despite Sharmistha apologizing and… pic.twitter.com/GYHLvj9l25
— Mamta Painuly Kale (@mamta_kale) May 31, 2025
The incident has once again stirred debate around the fine line between free speech and responsible expression on social media. What are your thoughts on Sharmistha’s controversial remarks? Do share via the comments below.
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