Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Kolkata Police Defends Arrest of Influencer Sharmistha Panoli
A social media influencer, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police for a video containing remarks against a religion.
The police say her statements constituted "hate speech," but critics claim the arrest was politically motivated.
Opposition leaders are supporting Panoli, and online campaigns have emerged, questioning the arrest's legality.
Panoli's lawyer says she is in judicial custody until June 13, and bail was rejected due to the ongoing investigation.
The police stated that the arrest was not related to opposing Pakistan but to a video that insulted religious beliefs and promoted disharmony.
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police.
The arrest is due to a video she shared with remarks against a religion.
Kolkata Police defends the arrest, citing hate speech concerns.
Opposition parties accuse the government of political repression.
Panoli is in judicial custody; her bail was rejected.
- Who
- Sharmistha Panoli, Kolkata Police, Gaurav Bhatia, Suvendu Adhikari
- What
- Arrest of Sharmistha Panoli for a social media video containing hate speech.
- When
- Arrested May 30, 2025
- Where
- Gurugram, Kolkata
- Why
- The arrest was made due to a video containing remarks considered to be hate speech that insulted religious beliefs and promoted disharmony.
Critics of the arrest
Kolkata Police
Legality of Arrest
Critics of the arrest
The arrest is politically motivated and violates freedom of speech.
Kolkata Police
The arrest was lawful due to the content and language used in the video, which constituted hate speech.
- Accused
- Sharmistha Panoli
- Police Authority
- Kolkata Police
- Location of Arrest
- Gurugram
- Charges
- Hate Speech
- Detention Status
- Judicial custody until June 13
- Incident Date
- May 30, 2025
Sources
Abusive words not freedom of speech: Kolkata cops defend Sharmistha Panoli arrest
‘Absconding, shared hate content’: What Kolkata Police said about influencer Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest
BJP slams West Bengal govt. over arrest of influencer, calls action ‘selective enforcement’
Assault on free speech: Bar Council of India seeks release of Sharmishta Panoli
BCI chairman seeks release, fair trial for arrested Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli
Instagrammer’s lawyers to move court for early hearing
BCI chairman demands Sharmishta Panoli’s release; condemns West Bengal govt
Kangana, Kalyan slam West Bengal cops over influencer arrest
'Don't turn Bengal into North Korea': Kangana Ranaut, Pawan Kalyan slam West Bengal cops over arrest of Pune law student
Sharmishta Panoli case: Bar Council chief supports influencer, seeks release | What we know so far?
'Different sets of rules for Hindus and Muslims in Bengal': BJP on arrest of Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli
Sharmishta Panoli arrest: Who is she? What landed her in legal trouble with Kolkata Police
'Hygiene not being maintained': Influencer Sharmishta Panoli files plea over jail conditions
Man who filed complaint against Sharmishtha Panoli missing, claims his father
