Kolkata Police arrest Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli in Gurugram over Operation Sindoor post

Sharmishta Panoli's controversial video accusing Bollywood of silence on Operation Sindoor sparked massive backlash, leading to her arrest under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This case highlights the sensitive intersection of social media, communal sentiments, and national security operations.

Sources:
The Indian ExpressDeccan HeraldTimesofindia+1
Updated 36m ago
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Sources: The Indian ExpressDeccan HeraldTimesofindia+1
Kolkata Police arrested 22-year-old Instagram influencer and Pune law student Sharmishta Panoli in Gurugram for allegedly posting a video with communal overtones criticizing Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor, a military strike launched by India on May 7 targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The operation was a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Panoli's video accused Hindi film actors of remaining silent on this operation, which sparked widespread outrage on social media.

Her post led to an FIR under sections 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity between groups), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 353(1)(c) (statements inciting public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Following the backlash, Panoli issued an unconditional apology stating, “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.”

Despite the apology, a complaint was lodged in Kolkata, and after Panoli and her family decamped, a court issued an arrest warrant. She was apprehended by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on Friday night.

The incident highlights the sensitivity around national security operations and the legal consequences of social media posts perceived to hurt communal sentiments.

“The post triggered widespread backlash, with many users trolling her and posting threatening comments,” police sources said.

This case underscores the increasing scrutiny of social media content under laws aimed at maintaining communal harmony and public order in India.
Sources: The Indian Express
Kolkata Police arrested Instagram influencer and Pune law student Sharmishta Panoli in Gurugram for allegedly posting a communal video criticizing Bollywood actors' silence on Operation Sindoor, a military strike against terror targets in Pakistan. The post sparked outrage and legal action under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Influencer Sharmishta Panoli arrested over communal Operation Sindoor post

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.
Sharmishta Panoli
The Indian Express
Key Facts
  • Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old Pune law student and Instagram influencer, was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram for posting a communal video accusing Bollywood actors of silence over Operation Sindoor.The Indian Express3Timesofindia
  • Panoli's post triggered widespread social media outrage, including trolling and threatening messages, leading to a complaint lodged in Kolkata and legal notices issued to her and her family.2Timesofindia
  • After Panoli and her family decamped, repeated attempts to serve legal notices failed, prompting a court to issue an arrest warrant against her.Deccan HeraldTimesofindia
  • Panoli was arrested on May 30, 2025 by Kolkata Police from Gurugram in connection with her communal post related to Operation Sindoor.Deccan Herald
  • The FIR against Panoli was lodged under sections 196(1)(a), 299, 352, and 353(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering promoting enmity, deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings, intentional insult, and incitement of public mischief.The Indian Express
Key Stats at a Glance
Age of Sharmishta Panoli
22 years
The Indian Express
FIR lodged under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
196(1)(a), 299, 352, 353(1)(c)
The Indian Express

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Background Context

Operation Sindoor launched after deadly Pahalgam terror attack

Key Facts
  • Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, as a military response targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.1
  • The operation was initiated following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which resulted in 26 deaths, mostly tourists.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Launch date of Operation Sindoor
May 7
1
Date of Pahalgam terror attack
April 22
1
Deaths in Pahalgam terror attack
26 people
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