( Newshub Desk)The arrest of social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli by Kolkata Police has ignited a political debate over freedom of speech and selective secularism.
Panoli was taken into custody for allegedly using abusive and communally charged language in her videos, questioning Bollywood celebrities’ silence during India’s Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike following a terror attack in Pahalgam.
A case was filed against her under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing sections related to promoting enmity, outraging religious sentiments, and provoking unrest.
She was arrested in Gurgaon after reportedly evading police summons and placed in 14-day judicial custody.
Reacting to the controversy, Pawan Kalyan, the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party leader, condemned the arrest.
He acknowledged Panoli’s comments were regrettable but questioned why legal action was not taken against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, who, according to him, have insulted Hinduism.
“Blasphemy must be condemned, always. Secularism isn’t a shield for some and a sword for others,” Kalyan stated in a post on X. “Where is the outrage when elected MPs mock Sanatana Dharma?”
TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, responding to criticism, alleged that the BJP was fueling communal divisions in Bengal.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police defended the arrest, asserting that due process was followed and Panoli was apprehended under a court-issued warrant.
The case has sparked widespread debate, with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari questioning inconsistencies in legal action when temples are vandalised or Hindu festivals face disruptions.
The incident continues to raise concerns regarding freedom of speech and the selective application of secular values in India’s political landscape.
