A law student from Pune, identified as Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police late Friday night from Gurugram for allegedly posting offensive content on social media while replying to a post on Operation Sindoor.
According to police sources, Panoli had uploaded a video on Instagram containing "disrespectful and derogatory remarks" in response to a post related targeting a particular religion.
Though the video was later deleted, it had already gone viral, triggering widespread outrage and leading to a formal police complaint in Kolkata. An FIR was registered against her by Kolkata Police.
"The case pertains to an Instagram video by a woman named Sharmistha Panoli that hurt the religious sentiments of members of a particular community," a senior police officer said.
Authorities claimed that multiple attempts to serve Panoli a legal notice were unsuccessful, as she and her family had allegedly absconded. Following this, a court issued a warrant of arrest, based on which she was arrested from Gurugram.
Following the controversy, Panoli issued an unconditional public apology via social media.
In a post on X, she wrote, "I do hereby tender my unconditional apology. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody, so if anybody is hurt I'm sorry for the same. I expect co-operation and understanding. Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies."
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