Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Gurugram, has been arrested over a controversial social media video linked to Operation Sindoor. Her arrest by Kolkata Police on May 30 has now sparked global attention, with Dutch MP Geert Wilders calling the move an attack on free speech.
Dutch MP Backs Sharmistha Panoli, Questions India’s Free Speech
Wilders posted on X with the message “All eyes on Sharmistha” and wrote, “Free the brave Sharmishta Panoli! It's a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don't punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad. Help her @narendramodi.”
Geert Wilders had earlier stood by BJP leader Nupur Sharma during a similar controversy in 2022. Now, his support for Sharmistha Panoli has brought international focus on how India handles speech around religion and politics.
Panoli’s now-deleted video had criticised Bollywood celebrities for staying silent during Operation Sindoor. However, her remarks included comments that allegedly insulted a religious group and Prophet Muhammad. Even after she deleted the video and issued an apology, the police filed an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Kolkata Police claimed they made several attempts to send legal notices to her and her family, but she was reportedly untraceable. The police tracked her to Gurugram and arrested her last week.
Arrest Triggers Political Debate
Sharmistha’s arrest has sparked political outrage, especially from the BJP. Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said, “Action is only taken against Sanatanis in Bengal.”
BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya claimed the arrest was a move to “appease a vote bank” and called the charges “hypocrisy.”
Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also showed support for Sharmistha on Instagram. She said, “I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression, but such words most youngsters use these days. She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully and harass her further. She should be released immediately.”
Despite the apology, Sharmishtha Panoli has been charged under several legal sections, including Section 196(1)(a), 299, 352, 353(1)(c).
As she was led out of the court, Sharmistha said, “The way this harassment is being done in a democracy, this is not democracy.” She has been sent to 14-day judicial custody.
Her arrest has divided the internet. While some demand strict action, others see it as a threat to India’s freedom of expression.
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‘Help Her Modi’ Dutch MP Urges PM To Protect Sharmishtha Panoli, Condemns Her UNFAIR Arrest Over Operation Sindoor Comment
Dutch MP Geert Wilders has backed 22-year-old law student Sharmistha Panoli after her arrest over a controversial Operation Sindoor post. Her detention has sparked a nationwide debate on free speech, politics, and religion.
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Gurugram, has been arrested over a controversial social media video linked to Operation Sindoor. Her arrest by Kolkata Police on May 30 has now sparked global attention, with Dutch MP Geert Wilders calling the move an attack on free speech.
Dutch MP Backs Sharmistha Panoli, Questions India’s Free Speech
Wilders posted on X with the message “All eyes on Sharmistha” and wrote, “Free the brave Sharmishta Panoli! It's a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don't punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad. Help her @narendramodi.”
Geert Wilders had earlier stood by BJP leader Nupur Sharma during a similar controversy in 2022. Now, his support for Sharmistha Panoli has brought international focus on how India handles speech around religion and politics.
Panoli’s now-deleted video had criticised Bollywood celebrities for staying silent during Operation Sindoor. However, her remarks included comments that allegedly insulted a religious group and Prophet Muhammad. Even after she deleted the video and issued an apology, the police filed an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Kolkata Police claimed they made several attempts to send legal notices to her and her family, but she was reportedly untraceable. The police tracked her to Gurugram and arrested her last week.
Arrest Triggers Political Debate
Sharmistha’s arrest has sparked political outrage, especially from the BJP. Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said, “Action is only taken against Sanatanis in Bengal.”
BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya claimed the arrest was a move to “appease a vote bank” and called the charges “hypocrisy.”
Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also showed support for Sharmistha on Instagram. She said, “I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression, but such words most youngsters use these days. She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully and harass her further. She should be released immediately.”
Despite the apology, Sharmishtha Panoli has been charged under several legal sections, including Section 196(1)(a), 299, 352, 353(1)(c).
As she was led out of the court, Sharmistha said, “The way this harassment is being done in a democracy, this is not democracy.” She has been sent to 14-day judicial custody.
Her arrest has divided the internet. While some demand strict action, others see it as a threat to India’s freedom of expression.
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