Kolkata Police has rejected all allegations that they have illegally arrested a 22-year-old female Instagram influencer for uploading a video containing communal remarks. Defending the arrest of Sharmistha Panoli, the police claimed that the case was properly investigated and legal procedures were followed.
Kolkata Police said in a post on Facebook, 'Kolkata Police acted legally as per the procedure established by law. The accused was not arrested for expressing patriotism or personal belief. Legal action was taken against him for sharing objectionable content promoting hatred between communities.'
Police told how and why the arrest was made.
Kolkata Police said, 'The matter was duly investigated and several attempts were made to serve notice to the accused under Section 35 of BNSS following legal procedures, but every time she was found absconding. After this, an arrest warrant was issued by the competent court, after which she was legally arrested from Gurgaon. Thereafter, she was produced before the appropriate magistrate and sent to transit remand as per due process of law. Later, the court sent her to judicial custody.'
What is the case?
Earlier, Kolkata Police had arrested the woman for allegedly uploading a video containing communal remarks, claiming that Bollywood actors were silent on Operation Sindoor. Kolkata Police said, 'Some social media accounts are spreading misinformation that Kolkata Police has illegally arrested a law student for protesting against Pakistan. This story is mischievous and misleading.'
Case registered at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15
A case was registered against the woman at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, alleging that she had posted a video, which insulted the religious faith of a section of the citizens of India and promoted enmity and hatred between different communities. The case was registered under the appropriate section of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). The accused woman was booked under relevant sections including promoting enmity between different groups, malicious acts with intent to outrage religious feelings, intentional insult, and provocation to breach of peace. Following this, she was arrested in Gurgaon. She was then brought to Kolkata. A court here rejected her bail plea and sent her to judicial custody till June 13.
Sukanta Majumdar had made allegations
BJP West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar criticized the Kolkata Police for arresting the woman for allegedly posting the video. The BJP leader has alleged that the arrest was not for justice but for appeasement. He said, '22-year-old law student Sharmistha Panoli was arrested even after the now-deleted video and public apology. No riots. No unrest. Yet Mamata Banerjee's police acted overnight. Not for justice, but for appeasement. When TMC leaders insult Sanatan Dharma... make fun of Maha Kumbh and spread communal venom, there is no FIR, no arrest, no apology. This is not justice. This is vote bank vendetta.'
Zubeen Garg's Last Rites: Zubeen Garg was given a final farewell with state honours, with Guwahati's streets jammed with people.
The news of "Ya Ali" singer Zubin Garg's death shocked everyone. According to reports, Zubin Garg had gone scuba diving on the 19th, a day before his performance at a festival in Singapore, when he
Virat-Anushka: This is how Anushka handled the emotional Kohli, celebrated happiness with Lady Luck like this, see photos
Royal Challengers Bangalore has won the IPL 2025 title. In the final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs. As soon as the match ended, Virat Kohli started crying on the field. The wait for the
T20 World Cup: Why and how did Ishan Kishan return to India's T20 World Cup squad? Ravichandran Ashwin explained the reason. Find out here.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly shared his views on Ishan Kishan's return to the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ashwin believes this selection is not a result of any
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli displayed a blistering performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring a half-century in just 29 balls, but narrowly missed out on a century.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, Virat Kohli once again showcased his class and form with a brilliant performance. On Friday, December 26, in a match against Gujarat at the BCCI Centre of
Mumbai welcomed the new year with heavy rainfall, and Delhi may also experience showers; read the IMD update.
The first day of the new year saw a severe cold wave in North India. Meanwhile, Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, experienced rain on the first day of the year. According to the India Meteorological
'Just want to win..' A special message from mother and sister to captain Shreyas Iyer before the IPL 2025 Final
The final match of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is to be played today. Where two teams who are dreaming of winning their first title, Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings and Rajat
Apple iPhone 17: Sales of the iPhone 17 began in India today, with long lines outside Apple stores from Delhi to Mumbai.
Tech giant Apple began selling the iPhone 17 series today, September 19th. As always, the craze for the new iPhone is palpable. Long queues of fans are seen outside Apple stores from Delhi to Mumbai.
The person who fired at Elvish Yadav's house was arrested in a police encounter. The accused was shot in the leg
The police have arrested the accused who opened fire at the Gurugram house of famous YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav. The Faridabad Crime Branch has arrested an accused named Ishant
Elvish Yadav: 'Felt very sad to see', Prince Narula expressed grief over the firing incident outside Elvish's house
There is reportedly a rift between Elvish Yadav and Prince Narula. Many times, news of differences and fights between the two have come to the fore. But recently, when the firing incident happened
PAK Boycott Asia Cup: Pakistan packs its bags even without the boycott! Understand how easily
The difficulties of the Pakistan cricket team have increased in the Asia Cup 2025. After suffering a crushing defeat from India, now the team's entry into the Super-4 is now in danger. Not only this,
