Pune Law Student Held in Gurugram Over Social Media Post on Operation Sindoor Â
Pune Law Student Held in Gurugram Over Social Media Post on Operation Sindoor Â
PUNE: A Pune-based law student, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on Friday night for allegedly making offensive remarks against the Prophet in a viral Instagram video related to Operation Sindoor. The video sparked community outrage, prompting an FIR and subsequent arrest after she and her family reportedly absconded.
Panoli, who studies law in Pune, had posted a now-deleted Instagram video responding to a comment on Operation Sindoor. In her reply, she made derogatory statements about the Prophet and referred to a community’s ancestors as “delulu” (slang for delusional). She also referenced brothels and disputed the belief in religious rewards in the afterlife. The remarks, perceived as insulting religious sentiments, led to widespread criticism online and a formal complaint in Kolkata.
FIR Filed After Outrage Over Viral Video
A police officer from Kolkata confirmed that an FIR was registered under sections related to hurting religious sentiments. Authorities stated that despite repeated attempts to serve Panoli with a legal notice, she and her family evaded officials. A local court subsequently issued an arrest warrant, leading to her apprehension in Gurugram.
Apology Issued on Social Media
Following her arrest and the social media backlash, Sharmistha Panoli issued an unconditional apology on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
“I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody. So if anybody is hurt, I’m sorry for the same. I expect cooperation and understanding. Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public posts.”
She also deleted the original video and related posts from her social media accounts.
Related Incident in Maharashtra
In a similar case, a 19-year-old engineering student was recently arrested for criticising Operation Sindoor on social media. She was later released on bail by the Bombay High Court, which allowed her to appear for her semester exams under tight security. Her lawyer confirmed that she was able to receive her admit card and sit for the examination on schedule after her release from Yerwada Central Jail.
