Arrest of Influencer Sharmmishta Panoli Sparks Political Uproar in West Bengal

The recent arrest of social media influencer and law student Sharmmishta Panoli has ignited a significant political controversy in West Bengal. Panoli was detained by the Kolkata Police from Gurugram on Saturday over an allegedly communally charged video she posted online.

The incident has drawn sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of selective action and appeasement politics. Leader of Opposition in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged that TMC leaders have previously insulted Indian deities without facing any legal action, highlighting what he termed as a double standard in the government’s response.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also came out in support of Panoli, arguing that the language used was common among today’s youth and that her public apology should have sufficed. Ranaut labeled the arrest unwarranted and demanded Panoli’s immediate release.

On the other hand, the TMC maintained its stance, asserting that it does not endorse any divisive statements and supports action against anyone making provocative remarks, irrespective of their political affiliation.

While being taken into custody, Sharmmishta Panoli described her arrest as harassment and anti-democratic. According to reports, the prosecution cited her mobile phone and laptop as evidence, which have already been seized.

During the court hearing, the prosecution’s request for police custody was rejected. Instead, the court ordered that Panoli be remanded to judicial custody till June 13, 2025.

As this case continues to unfold, it has become a fresh flashpoint in the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal, bringing issues of freedom of speech, communal harmony, and political accountability to the forefront.