Outspoken Law Student Jailed Over Anti-Pakistan Video: Is Free Speech Under Threat?

Kolkata, May 31, 2025 — Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune and a social media influencer, was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram, Haryana, on Friday following a viral Instagram video that drew widespread backlash.

In May 2025, Panoli had posted a video responding to a Pakistani follower's question about India’s military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. In the video, she made remarks that were widely condemned as communal and offensive, including comments on Islam and Prophet Muhammad. She also criticized Bollywood celebrities for staying silent on Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian military offensive targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

The video sparked online outrage, threats, and eventually led to a police complaint in Kolkata. An FIR was registered under sections related to promoting enmity between groups and hurting religious sentiments.

Although Panoli deleted the video and issued a public apology, she and her family reportedly went missing after receiving multiple legal notices. A court in Kolkata later issued an arrest warrant.

On May 31, Panoli was arrested and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Alipore. She has been remanded to judicial custody until June 13, 2025.

Her arrest triggered a heated debate on social media. Hashtags like #ReleaseSharmistha and #FreeSpeechUnderAttack began trending, with several users and public figures, including actor Kangana Ranaut, voicing support and alleging selective prosecution.

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