A 22-year-old law student and influencer, recently arrested by Kolkata Police.
She posted a video with communal and abusive language, targeting not only communities but also Bollywood celebrities for their silence during Operation Sindoor, a military response to a terror attack in Pahalgam.
📌 Why was she arrested?
The FIR cites sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to:
Promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds,
Outraging religious feelings,
Provocation with intent to breach peace.
According to police, she evaded summons multiple times before being arrested from Gurgaon via court-issued warrant.
🌍 International Reaction: Geert Wilders’ Involvement
Geert Wilders, a right-wing Dutch MP, known for his strong anti-Islam views, publicly criticized the arrest.
Called it a “disgrace for freedom of speech.”
Urged PM Narendra Modi to intervene and free her.
Posted “All eyes on Sharmistha” – echoing earlier online protest slogans (like “All Eyes on Rafah”).
🇮🇳 Indian Political Reaction
BJP and allies are backing Sharmistha, claiming selective outrage and suppression of Hindu voices.
Pawan Kalyan, actor-politician and head of Jana Sena Party, acknowledged her comments were hurtful but highlighted:
Her apology and deleted video.
Lack of similar action against anti-Hindu remarks by TMC leaders.
Mamata Banerjee, CM of West Bengal, accused BJP of trying to incite communal tension, labeling their actions as “ganda dharma” (filthy religion) – sparking more controversy.
🕊️ Legal & Ethical Complexity
Free speech vs. hate speech is at the heart of this case.
Law enforcement claims they followed all due processes, countering the narrative of “unlawful arrest.”
The case has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal, with communal and ideological tensions flaring.
📢 Key Takeaways
- Sharmistha Panoli’s case is not just legal — it’s political, ideological, and international now.
- The slogan “All Eyes on Sharmistha” is gaining traction as a right-wing counterpoint to global human rights slogans.
- This incident reflects India’s ongoing debate over freedom of speech, communal sensitivities, and perceived legal double standards.
- It’s also drawing global conservative support, which may further polarize domestic discourse.