Instagram influencer and Pune-based law student Sharmishtha Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram, Haryana, late Friday night for allegedly uploading a video with communal overtones related to Operation Sindoor.

The video, posted on May 14, allegedly criticised Bollywood actors for their silence on the military operation and allegedly contained derogatory remarks about a particular religion, sparking widespread outrage and threats.

Despite deleting the video and issuing a public apology, Panoli was traced and arrested after a court warrant was issued when she and her family allegedly became untraceable. She has since been produced before the Alipore Court in Kolkata and will remain in judicial custody until June 13, as the investigation continues.

Alleged Communal Video Triggers Nationwide Outrage

The controversy began when Panoli allegedly responded to a question from a Pakistani follower by posting a video on Instagram that allegedly criticised Bollywood celebrities for not commenting on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action following the Pahalgam terror attack.

In the video, Panoli allegedly made offensive remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad, which quickly drew widespread condemnation. The post went viral within hours, leading to severe backlash, trolling, and even death threats against Panoli.

In response to the mounting criticism, she deleted the video and issued a public apology on both X and Instagram, stating, “I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody… I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies.” However, her apology did little to quell the outrage, as a formal complaint had already been lodged with Kolkata Police, and an FIR was registered.

Legal Pursuit and Arrest After Alleged Evasion

Following the filing of the FIR, authorities made several attempts to serve legal notices to Panoli and her family. However, according to police, she allegedly became untraceable, prompting the matter to be escalated to the court. The court subsequently issued an arrest warrant. On Friday night, Kolkata Police, with the help of local authorities, allegedly tracked down and arrested Panoli in Gurugram.

She was placed on transit remand and brought to Kolkata, where she was produced before the Alipore Court and remanded to judicial custody until June 13. Police officials stated, “Several attempts were made to send legal notices to Panoli and her family but they disappeared. After that, the police placed the matter before the court.

The court issued her arrest warrant, and on Friday night, Kolkata Police arrested her from Gurugram.” The investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that further questioning and legal procedures will follow.

Background: Social Media, Free Speech, and Communal Sensitivities

This incident comes amid growing concerns over the role of social media in spreading hate speech and misinformation. Influencers and content creators with large followings are often under scrutiny for the content they share, especially in a country as diverse as India.

The case has reignited debates around the limits of free speech, the responsibilities of digital creators, and the legal consequences of allegedly inciting communal disharmony. Notably, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan publicly demanded Panoli’s arrest, stating, “No Muslim will tolerate abusive words about our Prophet.”

The incident has also prompted calls for stricter monitoring of online content and more robust digital literacy among users to prevent the spread of inflammatory material.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This incident highlights the profound responsibilities that come with having a public platform in a diverse and sensitive society. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be exercised with empathy and respect for all communities.

The Logical Indian believes that social media should be a space for constructive dialogue and understanding, not division. We urge influencers, authorities, and citizens alike to promote conversations that foster harmony and coexistence. As the digital age amplifies every voice, how can we, as a society, ensure that our online and offline conversations build bridges instead of barriers?