Influencer Sharmishtha Panoli Jailed Over ‘Operation Sindoor’ Video Outrage

From Viral Post to Arrest

On May 14, 2025, Panoli posted the controversial video on Instagram, reportedly responding to a Pakistani user questioning India’s military actions. In it, she criticized Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor and used inflammatory language, including remarks about “72 hoors” and Pakistan’s role in terrorism. The video went viral, amassing millions of views, but drew fierce criticism for promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments, with X users like AIMIM’s Waris Pathan demanding her arrest.

Facing threats and trolling, Panoli deleted the video and issued an unconditional apology on X and Instagram on May 15, 2025, stating, “I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody… I will be cautious in my public posts.” Despite this, a complaint was filed at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Police Station, leading to an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for promoting enmity, outraging religious feelings, and inciting unrest. When Panoli and her family allegedly evaded notices, a court issued an arrest warrant, resulting in her detention in Gurugram.

On May 31, 2025, Panoli was produced before Kolkata’s Alipore Court, which denied her bail and remanded her to 14-day judicial custody until June 13, 2025. Her phone and laptop were seized for forensic analysis.

A Polarized Debate

The arrest has ignited a national debate on free speech versus religious sensitivity. Supporters, including Kangana Ranaut, argue Panoli’s apology should suffice, with Ranaut stating on Instagram, “She used unpleasant words, but youngsters do that. No need to bully her further.” Dutch MP Geert Wilders also backed her, calling the arrest a “disgrace for freedom of speech” on X. Hashtags like #ReleaseSharmistha and #IStandWithSharmistha trended, reflecting public support.

Critics, including Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, demand stricter laws against hate speech, citing the need to protect religious harmony. The BJP, led by Suvendu Adhikari, accused West Bengal’s TMC government of “appeasement politics,” alleging selective enforcement. Kolkata Police defended the arrest, stating, “All legal procedures were duly adhered to,” dismissing claims of unlawful action.

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Why This Matters

For Northeast India’s youth, this case hits home as Assam embraces digital platforms like Instagram. It raises questions about online responsibility and the risks influencers face in polarized times. With Operation Sindoor already a sensitive topic in the region due to its proximity to security issues, Panoli’s case underscores the need for balanced discourse. Similar incidents, like the 2024 arrest of a Delhi influencer for communal posts, highlight growing scrutiny of social media conduct.

Stay Informed

• Report Hate Speech: Use Instagram’s tools to flag offensive content.

• Contact Authorities: Reach Assam’s Cybercrime Cell at cybercrime.assam@gov.in for online threats.

• Spread Awareness: Share verified news to combat misinformation.

Join the Conversation

Where’s the line between free speech and hate speech? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on Instagram @theguwahatitribune with #theguwahatitribune. For more cybercrime news, visit our News section (#).

Image Caption: Sharmishtha Panoli’s arrest over ‘Operation Sindoor’ video sparks free speech debate.

Alt Text: A courtroom scene with a gavel, symbolizing Sharmishtha Panoli’s judicial custody in Kolkata, May 2025.