Instagram influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly posting a communal video related to Operation Sindoor, has filed a petition in court seeking access to basic rights at the Alipore women’s correctional home.
Panoli’s advocate Md Samimuddin claimed on Monday that the 22-year-old is unwell and not receiving adequate medical care or hygienic conditions in jail. “She is suffering from kidney stones. Proper hygiene is not being maintained around her. She is not being given access to newspapers and magazines,” he said. He added that a petition has been filed to ensure she receives her basic rights, and efforts are underway to secure bail before June 13.
Panoli was arrested on May 31 from Gurugram, Haryana, and later sent to judicial custody by a Kolkata court. The arrest followed allegations that she uploaded a video which, according to police, contained communal remarks and promoted disharmony.
Kolkata Police Responds to Allegations
In a detailed social media statement, the Kolkata Police defended its action, stating that the arrest was made strictly following legal procedures under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The police clarified: “The accused was not arrested for expressing patriotism or personal belief. Legal actions were taken for sharing offensive content which promotes hatred among the communities.”
The department further stated that multiple notices were issued under Section 35 of the BNSS but Panoli was found absconding. “Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued by the competent court, following which she was apprehended lawfully from Gurgaon during day time,” the post read.
According to the police, a case was registered at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, alleging that the influencer’s video insulted the religious sentiments of a section of citizens and incited communal hatred. The video was later deleted, and Panoli issued a public apology.
The police also clarified that hate speech and abusive language cannot be equated with the constitutional right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a), urging citizens to refrain from activities that may benefit “our enemies.”
