Sharmistha Panoli’s Arrest Sparks National Outcry: Pawan Kalyan Slams Selective Secularism, Mamata Defends Action Amid Free Speech Row

The arrest of 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli has ignited a fiery national debate, drawing sharp political lines over freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and the interpretation of secularism in India.

🚨 The Arrest and Charges

Sharmistha Panoli was taken into custody by Kolkata Police for allegedly posting abusive and communally provocative content on social media. Her now-deleted posts criticised Bollywood actors for remaining silent during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory action following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

🚨 Law student & influencer #SharmisthaPanoli sent to 14-day judicial custody by #Kolkata court over allegedly offensive video linked to #OperationSindoor.
She deleted the video & apologised—but legal heat follows. 🔥
🧵 What's your take?#FreedomOfSpeech #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/EsFeR9SHYe

— News 24 Media (@news24nmedia) June 1, 2025

The FIR against her includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:

• Promoting enmity on religious grounds
• Outraging religious feelings
• Intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace

Following her arrest in Gurugram, Panoli was brought to Kolkata on transit remand and subsequently ordered to 14 days of judicial custody.

🗣️ Pawan Kalyan’s Strong Reaction

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, also the founder of Jana Sena Party, took to social media to condemn the arrest, accusing authorities of selective secularism.

During Operation Sindoor, Sharmistha, a law student, spoke out, her words regrettable and hurtful to some. She owned her mistake, deleted the video and apologized. The WB Police swiftly acted, taking action against Sharmistha.

But what about the deep, searing pain inflicted… pic.twitter.com/YBotf34YYe

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) May 31, 2025

“Secularism must be a two-way street. Blasphemy must be condemned, always! Secularism isn’t a shield for some and a sword for others. West Bengal Police, the nation is watching. Act justly for all,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

🛡️ Mamata Banerjee’s Defence

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee responded by defending the police action, accusing the BJP of politicising religion and attempting to instigate communal tension.

“TMC stands for true secularism. We don’t spare anyone who spreads hate, irrespective of their religion,” she stated.

⚖️ Political Fallout & BJP’s Criticism

BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari criticised the TMC-led state government, calling the arrest an act of appeasement politics, and questioned why no action was taken against TMC leaders who allegedly mocked Hindu traditions.

Kolkata Police, in turn, justified the arrest by revealing that Panoli had evaded multiple summons, prompting the court to issue a warrant.

🌐 Public Reaction

While Panoli has since issued a public apology, the incident has reopened debates on the limits of free speech, the application of secularism, and the politicisation of law enforcement.

#PanoliArrest #OperationSindoor #DigitalAccountability #KolkataCourtNews #justiceorjudgement #FreedomOfSpeech #ViralVideo #ReligiousSentiments