NATIONAL: Dutch MP Backs Sharmistha: Kolkata Arrest Sparks Global Outcry
Arrest Sparks International Attention
Kolkata Police have arrested 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli for posting a controversial video during ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Her arrest has triggered international commentary, with Dutch MP Geert Wilders publicly condemning the move as a violation of free speech. Wilders appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure her release, describing her as “very brave.”
Social Media Post and Legal Fallout
The controversy erupted after Sharmistha posted a video on May 14 criticizing Bollywood celebrities for their silence on Operation Sindoor, a military initiative by the Indian Armed Forces. The video quickly went viral and attracted backlash from multiple groups, who alleged it contained objectionable content. Though she later deleted the video and issued an apology, several complaints were lodged, leading to her arrest.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the FIR, the Kolkata Police issued legal notices to Sharmistha and her family. When they failed to respond, a court-issued arrest warrant was executed. She was detained in Gurugram on Friday night and presented in a Kolkata court the following day. Despite her counsel’s argument that custody was unwarranted due to digital evidence already being secured, the court remanded her to 14-day judicial custody.
Charges and Police Justification
The FIR includes charges under multiple sections related to incitement and public disorder. Police officials have maintained that due process was followed and that the arrest was carried out legally in accordance with the warrant. Authorities emphasized that her non-compliance with legal summons necessitated the intervention.
Who is Sharmistha Panoli?
A native of Anandapur, Kolkata, Sharmistha Panoli is a fourth-year law student at a university in Pune. With over 94,000 followers on Instagram, she has gained significant traction as a political commentator and influencer. Known for her forthright opinions, she frequently engages with sensitive political issues through her social media platforms.
Reaction from Geert Wilders
Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilders strongly criticized the arrest, labeling it an infringement on democratic expression. He urged the Indian government to uphold freedom of speech and shared Sharmistha’s image on social media to draw global attention to the case. His comments have added an international dimension to what was initially a domestic legal issue.