The arrest of Pune-based law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli has ignited a significant political controversy across India, attracting attention from domestic leaders as well as international figures. The law student was taken into custody by Kolkata Police after posting a contentious video on Operation Sindoor, which led to severe backlash. Despite issuing a public apology and deleting the video, Panoli remains in judicial custody following a court’s decision to deny her bail.

The arrest has drawn criticism from far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders, who termed the action a “disgrace for freedom of speech” and urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for Panoli’s release. Wilders highlighted that Panoli’s detention over expressing her views is a violation of free expression, calling on the PM through social media to help free her.

The Controversy Around Sharmistha Panoli’s Video

Panoli’s video allegedly targeted Bollywood celebrities for their silence on Operation Sindoor, a matter that stirred strong communal sentiments. The video was widely condemned for spreading what many considered hate speech and inciting communal tensions. Following the backlash, Panoli issued an unconditional apology, expressing regret for hurting anyone’s feelings and promising to exercise caution in future public posts.

Despite her apology and video removal, the Kolkata Police proceeded with the arrest, citing failure to respond to multiple legal notices sent to her and her family. Authorities accused her under sections of law related to promoting enmity between groups, intentional insult, and provocation likely to cause a breach of peace. This led to an arrest warrant being issued and subsequently enforced when she was apprehended from Gurugram.

Political and Legal Developments

The BJP has vocally supported Panoli’s release, condemning her arrest as unjust and politically motivated. Party leaders stressed that since Panoli apologized and deleted the controversial content, continuing legal action amounts to unfair targeting and suppression of free speech. This has further fueled the political debate on freedom of expression in India and the scope of legal restrictions on social media commentary.

In court proceedings at Alipore, Panoli’s bail plea was rejected, and she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13. Upon leaving the courtroom, she voiced her distress, asserting that such harassment is unworthy of a democratic setup and calling attention to the alleged misuse of power against her.

International Attention and Geert Wilders’ Intervention

The international spotlight intensified when Geert Wilders, known for his strong views on free speech and nationalist politics, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He condemned Panoli’s arrest and tagged PM Modi directly, urging him to act. Wilders posted a visual campaign message reading “All eyes on Sharmistha Panoli” to mobilize support.

His intervention raises questions about India’s handling of dissent and freedom of speech, especially in politically sensitive and communal matters. It also highlights how digital activism and social media controversies can transcend national boundaries, becoming matters of international concern.

Summary and Key Takeaways:

• Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest over a controversial social media video has led to political outrage and demands for her release, especially after her public apology.

• The legal grounds for her arrest include allegations of promoting communal enmity and provoking public unrest, resulting in judicial custody after her bail was denied.

• International figures like Dutch MP Geert Wilders have called on PM Modi to intervene, emphasizing freedom of speech and criticizing the Indian government’s handling of the case.

This case remains a critical example of the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding freedom of speech, social media regulation, and political pressure in India’s contemporary socio-political landscape.

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