“Secularism Must Be a Two-Way Street”: harmistha Panoli’s Arrest Sparks Political Row
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st June: The arrest of 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli by Kolkata Police has ignited a political flashpoint, raising uncomfortable questions about free speech, selective outrage, and the boundaries of secularism in India.
Panoli was arrested from Gurgaon after a video she posted during Operation Sindoor — India’s counter-terror operation following the brutal Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians — went viral. In the clip, she used harsh language and accused Bollywood celebrities of remaining silent in the face of terror, while also making communally charged remarks.
The video triggered swift action. An FIR was lodged in Kolkata, and the charges invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita include promoting enmity on religious grounds and attempting to provoke public unrest. Panoli, who later deleted the video and publicly apologized, was produced before a magistrate and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.
Her arrest, however, has stirred a deeper political and ideological debate.
Taking to social media, Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan condemned the arrest and what he described as a glaring double standard in the treatment of religious sensitivities. “Yes, her words were regrettable. But she apologized. Meanwhile, where is the accountability when elected leaders mock Sanatana Dharma, call it ‘Ganda Dharma’, and hurt the sentiments of millions?” Kalyan questioned.
During Operation Sindoor, Sharmistha, a law student, spoke out, her words regrettable and hurtful to some. She owned her mistake, deleted the video and apologized. The WB Police swiftly acted, taking action against Sharmistha.
But what about the deep, searing pain inflicted… pic.twitter.com/YBotf34YYe
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) May 31, 2025
His post didn’t stop at criticism. It was also a call for fairness. “Blasphemy must be condemned, always. Secularism can’t be a shield for some and a sword for others. It must be a two-way street,” he said, tagging a video of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee making controversial remarks against the BJP’s ideology.
Banerjee, in her recent comments, accused the BJP of trying to spark communal unrest in Bengal through “divisive politics,” describing the party’s version of religion as “ganda dharma” — a statement that many saw as derogatory towards Hindu beliefs. In response, BJP leaders and allies have accused her of hypocrisy and selective silence.
Kolkata Police, facing mounting criticism, issued a clarification. “All legal steps were followed. Repeated attempts were made to serve notices, but Panoli was absconding. A court-issued warrant led to her lawful arrest. We urge the public not to spread misinformation,” the department said in an official post.
Meanwhile, voices from the BJP have rallied around Panoli. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari questioned the selective application of law enforcement. “When idols are desecrated, when Ram Navami processions face stone-pelting, where is this urgency from Kolkata Police?” he asked.
Mamata Banerjee – 'Maha Kumbh is Mrityu Kumbh'. 'Jai Shree Ram is insulting abusive cuss word, hurled towards her.' ❌ No legal action.
Mahua Moitra – “Kali to me is a meat-eating, alcohol-accepting Goddess,” ❌ No legal action.
Firhad Hakim – “Those who are not born in Islam… https://t.co/LaWLeD5NpJ
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) June 1, 2025
For now, Panoli sits in judicial custody, a law student caught in a national tug-of-war between free speech and hate speech, religion and politics, apology and accountability.
But her arrest has become more than just a legal matter. It has emerged as a flashpoint — forcing the country to once again ask: Who gets to speak, who pays the price, and who gets to walk away?
