News Desk: The arrest of 22-year-old influencer Sharmishta Panoli by Kolkata Police over a communal social media post has sparked international and domestic political reactions, with calls for her release gaining traction online.
Panoli, a law student from Pune, was arrested in Gurugram on charges of promoting enmity and outraging religious sentiments through an Instagram video that criticized Bollywood celebrities for their silence on “Operation Sindoor” and reportedly contained derogatory remarks targeting a particular religion.
Dutch MP Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom, condemned her arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a disgrace for freedom of speech.” Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, he wrote: “Free the brave Sharmishta Panoli! Don’t punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad.” Wilders also shared a graphic reading “All eyes on Sharmishta.”
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! @AmyMek #Sharmishta#IStandwithSharmishta #ReleaseSharmistha #FreeSharmishta pic.twitter.com/YhGSLhuyr2
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) May 31, 2025
The arrest has also drawn criticism from within India. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and BJP ally Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over selective outrage. “Sharmishta apologized, deleted the video. But where is the outrage when MPs insult Sanatana Dharma?” he posted. “Secularism must be a two-way street.”
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
Panoli had earlier issued an unconditional apology on X, stating her remarks were personal views and not intended to offend. “If anybody is hurt, I’m sorry… I will be more cautious in future.”
Despite her apology, Kolkata Police proceeded with legal action after an FIR was lodged based on the viral video, which has since been removed. The case continues to fuel a national debate on free speech, religious sensitivity, and equal enforcement of the law.
