Secularism must..: Pawan Kalyan, Kangana question Sharmistha Panoli's arrest

The arrest of 22-year-old law student Sharmistha Panoli has sparked a massive uproar with political leaders coming out in support and slamming the Trinamool Congress. Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on May 30 and has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody.

Panoli was arrested over a controversial video on Operation Sindoor where she lashed out at some Bollywood actors for their alleged silence on India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. She received massive backlash for the video and later deleted the post and issued an apology. Multiple FIRs were filed against her and she was later arrested.

BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut backed Panoli and said that she should be immediately released.

“I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression, but such words most youngsters use these days. She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully and harass her further. She should be released immediately," Ranaut said.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan shared a video of Mamata Banerjee's controversial remarks to slam Panoli's arrest. He slammed the TMC for “deep, searing pain" when the party MPs mock Sanatana Dharma.

In the video shared by Kalyan, Banerjee said BJP was trying to incite "communal riots through divisive politics" in Bengal and asserted that its "ganda dharma" was contrary to the true principles of Hinduism.

"The WB Police swiftly acted, taking action against Sharmistha. But what about the deep, searing pain inflicted upon millions when elected leaders, MPs of TMC, mock Sanatana Dharma? Where is the outrage when our faith is called 'Gandha Dharm'? Where is their apology? Where is their swift arrest?," he asked.

Amit Malviya, BJP IT Cell chief accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of hypocrisy and said, “This isn’t just about Bengal — this is about how a young Hindu woman is being targeted to appease a vote bank.”

Panoli was served several legal notice after multiple FIRs were filed against her, but she remained absconding, as per Kolkata Police. She was arrested from Gurugram on May 30 and remanded to judicial custody until 13 June.

While leaving the court, she said, “The way this harassment is being done in a democracy, this is not democracy.”