The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim bail to social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested for allegedly posting a communal video in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The court directed Panoli to furnish a bail bond of Rs 10,000 and imposed certain conditions while granting her temporary release.
Why was Sharmistha Panoli arrested?
Panoli, 22, was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram last Friday following widespread backlash over a video she posted on May 14. The video, now deleted, allegedly contained communally sensitive remarks and criticized Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent during Operation Sindoor—a military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court had declined to grant her ad-interim bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations. However, the interim relief came on Wednesday after further hearing.
Who is Sharmistha Panoli?
A fourth-year law student at Symbiosis International University, Pune, Sharmistha Panoli is also a known social media figure. Hailing from Kolkata’s Anandapur area, she has built a large online following, with over 90,000 followers on Instagram and 85,000 on X (formerly Twitter). Her content often includes strong political commentary, which has drawn both support and criticism.
Her controversial May 14 video was accused of using communally charged language and allegedly hurting religious sentiments, leading to multiple complaints and legal action. The Kolkata Police charged her under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to promoting enmity between different groups, deliberate insult of religious beliefs, and intent to provoke a breach of peace.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and West Bengal BJP Legal Cell member Sanjukta Samanta file an FIR against Wazahat Khan, who filed an FIR against Sharmistha Panoli, at two Police Stations- Ballygunje Police Station, Kolkata and Howrah Police Station.