‘Help Her, PM Modi’: Influencer Sharmishtha Panoli Gets Support From a Dutch MP 7000 Km Away.

Questioning Bollywood for the silence for ‘Operation Sindoor’: Hindu Influencer Sharmishtha Panoli’s Arrest Sparks International Controversy.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | June 1, 2025:: Sharmishtha Panoli, a 22-year-old Hindu social media influencer and   a fourth-year law student at a Pune institute, was arrested by Kolkata police from Gurugram on Friday for a ‘communal’ post criticizing Bollywood stars like Khans and Kapoors for their silence on Operation Sindoor. Her arrest has sparked a political row, with support pouring in from unexpected quarters.

Sharmistha Panoli responded to a user, possibly from Pakistan, who questioned India’s military action following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. In her video, Panoli allegedly used ‘abusive language’ and criticized Bollywood celebrities and YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia for their perceived “soft stance” on Pakistan, employing ‘strong and offensive’ language.

International Support
Geert Wilders, a member of the Dutch Parliament, took to social media to express his support for Panoli, calling her arrest a “disgrace for freedom of speech.” He tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post, seeking help for Panoli. Wilders’ post has garnered significant attention, with many questioning the double standards employed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Getting support for Panoli from 7000 Km away from a Dutch Parliamentarian is an outstanding thing that shouldn’t be ignored by PM Modi anyway.

Political Backlash
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Jana Sena have slammed Mamata Banerjee for her government’s actions. Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan questioned the selective application of the law, pointing out instances where TMC leaders allegedly mocked Sanatana Dharma without facing consequences.

Allegations of Selective Action
Pawan Kalyan highlighted the contrast between Panoli’s case and those of TMC leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Mahua Mitra, and Sayani Ghosh, who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hinduism without facing similar action. This perceived disparity has sparked debate about the role of politics in law enforcement. The proactive Kolkata police never intervened to the abuse of Hindu sentiments by TMC leaders calling Hindu faith as Gandha Dharma, or depicting goddess Kali as alcoholic or proposal to put condom on Shivaling.

Kolkata Police’s Response
The Kolkata police have maintained that all legal procedures were followed in Panoli’s case, and she was arrested after evading notices and a court-issued warrant. They urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid speculation.

As the controversy unfolds, Panoli’s arrest has raised questions about freedom of speech, selective action, and the role of politics in law enforcement. With her judicial custody extended till June 13, the case continues to draw attention from both within India and abroad.
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__Agency Inputs.