Gurugram/Kolkata: A 22-year-old law student, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested in Gurugram by Kolkata Police for allegedly posting a derogatory video on social media in response to an update on Operation Sindoor. The now-deleted Instagram video reportedly contained disrespectful remarks targeting a particular religious community, leading to public outrage and legal action, reported the News 18.
The video rapidly went viral, prompting a formal complaint at a police station in Kolkata. Subsequently, an FIR was filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments.
Authorities said that despite several attempts, Panoli and her family could not be traced initially. Eventually, a court-issued warrant led to her arrest in Gurugram.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Panoli issued a public apology on social media platform X . “Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody. If anybody is hurt, I’m sorry for the same. Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post,” she wrote.
The case has reignited conversations around freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and the responsibility of social media users in the digital age.
