The Calcutta High Court has granted bail to Influencer Sharmistha Panoli. She was taken into custody for controversial comments that she made on social media about Operation Sindoor. The 22-year-old is currently a law student, studying in Pune, and was arrested by Kolkata police in Gurugram, Haryana. On 5 June, the court bench granted her interim bail by stating that there is no need for further custodial interrogation.
Why Was Sharmistha Arrested?
Some believed that Sharmistha was arrested for posting videos that criticised Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor. However, Kolkata police busted this narrative by calling it mischievous and misleading. They cleared the misunderstanding and said that the influencer was arrested for a video that hurt the religious sentiments of the people of India.
Kolkata Police went on to say that hate speech and abusive language should not be confused with the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. However, many still questioned the police as the grounds for arresting Sharmistha were not clear, and the influencer had apologised and deleted the video.
After denying her bail earlier and even asking the West Bengal government to produce the case diary on June 5, Sharmishtha is now being granted an interim bail by the High Court. The court has directed Sharmistha Panoli to furnish a bail bond of ₹10,000, ordered police to provide her security due to threats and restricted her from travelling abroad except for educational purposes.
Also Read: Who Is Sharmistha Panoli, Law Student Arrested For ‘Derogatory’ Remark On Operation Sindoor?
Reaction To The Arrest
Panoli’s lawyer has stated that his client has not committed any offence mentioned in the complaint file made against her. He further says there were many things said during Operation Sindoor by many users across India and Pakistan during the conflict times, hence it is unfair to single out Sharmistha. Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest also triggered a political row in West Bengal as the BJP termed this move as selective enforcement and accused the Kolkata police of acting in haste.
Kolkata police said that multiple legal notices were sent to Panoli and her family before the arrest was made. The Alipore court in Kolkata had ordered her to a 14-day judicial custody, before she was granted bail.
Also Read: Mandana Karimi Gets Major Backlash For Calling Operation Sindoor ‘Hindutva Fascism’