Pune: Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune and a well-known Instagram influencer, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on Friday night for allegedly posting offensive content related to Operation Sindoor. A court in Kolkata subsequently sent her to judicial custody until June 13.
The case stems from an FIR filed at Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, which accused Panoli of sharing a video on Instagram that reportedly contained “derogatory and disrespectful remarks” aimed at a specific religion. In response to mounting backlash, she deleted the video and issued a public apology.
“I sincerely offer my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. The views expressed were personal and never intended to hurt anyone. If they did cause harm, I am truly sorry. I seek your understanding and assure you of greater caution in the future,” Panoli posted on X (formerly Twitter).
According to authorities, after an initial notice failed to reach her due to her disappearance from her residence, police tracked her down in Gurugram and executed an arrest warrant.
During her court appearance on Saturday, the prosecution requested police custody, citing the need to investigate the intent behind her post and whether others were involved. “She must be questioned in custody to understand the motive behind her comments,” said the public prosecutor.
Her legal representative, however, urged the court to grant her bail, emphasizing her cooperation, public apology, and the seizure of her devices. “She is a student of law and has already recorded her statement. She’s receiving threats and deserves bail under any terms,” her lawyer argued.
Despite the plea, the court chose to remand her to judicial custody until mid-June.
A viral video captured her emotional state while being escorted by police. In it, a distressed Panoli can be heard saying, “What you’re doing in the name of democracy—this is not a fu****g democracy.”
