Many people are being arrested for making controversial statements, and a large number of FIRs are being filed as a result of Operation Sindoor. There are a lot of contentious conversations on social media, and many people have been singled out. Sharmistha Panoli, a law student and Instagram influencer, is one name that is receiving a lot of attention. Her latest remarks on social media have landed her in legal hot water and sparked a heated internet controversy.
This is the reason behind Sharmistha Panoli’s detention.
The world of social media is chaotic and unpredictable. It provides a forum for free speech for all, but it also carries significant risks. Being overly vocal or publishing carelessly can occasionally get someone into serious problems. That’s what happened to Instagram star and law student Sharmistha Panoli, whose post-Operation Sindoor video became popular for all the wrong reasons. There was a major internet outrage as her tweet contained communal statements that many people considered offensive.
After several attempts to serve her notice failed, Kolkata Police detained her from Gurugram, Haryana, on May 31, 2025. She has been charged with inciting hatred and offending religious feelings under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
She fled into hiding with her family after the FIR was filed at Garden Reach Police Station, but she was eventually apprehended by a court-issued warrant. She was brought to the Alipore Court in Kolkata shortly after her detention, where the judge imposed a 14-day judicial custody order. Later, Kolkata Police denied accusations that her arrest was unfair and stated on X that it was legal.
Have a look at the tweet,
Sharmishta Panoli used extreme remarks in her now-deleted viral video
The 22-year-old content creator’s use of strong language in her contentious video led to her detention. She reportedly answered a Pakistani follower who had questioned India’s choice to launch Operation Sindoor in the now-deleted video. Sharmistha went on a violent tirade, using foul words, rather than responding in a cool, collected manner.
In addition to going too far, her comments severely offended the feelings of the Muslim community. She made fun of the Prophet and ideas around heaven at one point in the film, 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,
“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 comments caused a great deal of controversy on various forums and communities.
The language and tone she used only made the situation worse. Netizens were immediately drawn to the video since it was full of hostile words and derogatory slurs.
She went farther in another clip, criticising Bollywood actors for their comfortable posture and quiet, particularly the three Khans: Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan. She accused YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in particular of being too lenient towards Pakistan and referring to them as “his brother and sister.” She referred to him as a “hypocrite.” These remarks, which were again filled with profanity, did little but stoke the flames.
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
Even after Sharmishta apologised, opinions were divided:
Sharmistha Panoli posted a story on Instagram and removed all associated posts after her contentious video caused controversy, expressing her sincere regret. She clarified that the comments were her own views and that she didn’t aim to offend anyone, and she promised to use greater caution going forward while making public pronouncements. But the harm had already been done by then. Md. Samimuddin, her attorney, attested to the fact that a bail request had been submitted to the court.
Her apology has caused a polarising public response. Some of her supporters vehemently denounced her for using foul language and inciting hate, while others supported her right to free speech and denounced her imprisonment.
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
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 event has sparked discussion about the thin line separating responsible social media expression from free speech once more. How do you feel about Sharmistha’s contentious statements? Please share using the comments section below.
