Her remarks were not linked to operation Sindhoor as projected in the media
CHANDIGARH: Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian social media activist known for her affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was detained by West Bengal police from Gurgaon on charges of posting derogatory remarks against Muslims and Islam. She targeted the Prophet Muhammad.
The arrest follows a series of inflammatory posts made by Panoli on various social media platforms, which authorities say amounted to hate speech and threatened communal harmony.
As it is being projected in national media, she is not arrested for speaking against Pakistan or in favour of Operation Sidhoor. She uploaded video making derogatory remarks about Muslim community and the Prophet Muhammad. Kangana Ranaut BJP MP has demanded here release saying she is being victimised.
Double standard of Haryana Police
When Haryana Police has arrested Ashoka University perofessor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media post, hailing Op Sidhoor and seeking justice for victims of lynching, it is is stragne the same Haryana police failed to arrest Sharmistha for more derogratory and communal comments against Muslim community. Is this not double standard of Haryana Police.
Panoli’s detention has triggered a sharp political reaction, with BJP leaders voicing strong opposition to the police action. Prominent BJP-affiliated figures, including Pawan Kalyan and Amit Malviya, have publicly defended the social media activist, condemning what they describe as a suppression of free speech. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, a vocal supporter of the Modi government, also demanded Panoli’s immediate release, describing the arrest as unjust.
West Bengal police officials, while confirming Panoli’s arrest, emphasised that the action was taken strictly in accordance with the law to maintain peace and prevent any communal unrest.
A court in Kilkata has sent Shanishtha in judicial custody for 14 days.
With inpur from Saamna.com