Kolkata Police arrested Sharmistha Panoli, an Instagram influencer and student at Pune Law University, for reportedly sharing a video with offensive content in which she chastised Bollywood actors for their lack of response to Operation Sindoor. An arrest warrant was issued against her, and she was arrested from Gurugram.

Who Is Sharmistha Panoli?

A 22-year-old law student at Pune Law University, Sharmistha Panoli is a well-known Instagram influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers. Her controversial video, which she posted on May 14, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and a Pakistani follower's remarks supporting the terrorists, brought her national attention. She is well-known for her candid opinions on current events.

What's The Controversy About

In response to the Pakistani user who questioned India's military stance, Panoli uploaded a video. She also attacked Bollywood stars in her video for keeping quiet about Operation Sindoor, the military's response to the terror assault. But when she reportedly made disrespectful statements regarding Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, the situation became more heated.

Several users, including those from India and Pakistan, urged legal action when she received threats of rape and death.

Following several complaints, Kolkata Police filed a formal complaint and made an effort to notify Panoli and her family of their legal rights. An arrest warrant was issued after they did not reply. She was ultimately taken into custody in Gurugram, Haryana, and placed under transit remand in Kolkata.

ALSO READ: Kolkata: KMC Launches First Dedicated Women-Childcare Facility, Plans Expansion To All Wards

Meanwhile, speaking on her arrest, West Bengal assembly LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, "FIR was filed against Mahua Moitra also. She made derogatory comments about Goddess Kali. Was any action taken? What did their (TMC) MP, Saayoni Ghosh, post regarding Mahadev? Was any action taken? There have been so many FIRs against Firhad Hakim, but there has been no action. The action is only taken against Sanatanis. Everyone here has a licence to abuse Sanatana... This is appeasement politics. A certain community is their vote bank and this is for appeasement. Mahua Moitra used derogatory language against Goddess Kali in a talk show, 200 FIRs were registered. No action was taken..."

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has demanded for the prompt release of Instagram influencer, who was detained by Kolkata Police on Friday night in Haryana's Gurugram. Kangana resorted to Instagram Stories on Saturday to say that while she accepts the 'unpleasant' comments she used in the infamous video, they do not justify her continuing harassment.