Pune: Symbiosis Law Student Arrested in Gurugram Over Offensive Social Media Post
By Akshata Pawar
Kolkata/Pune, 31st May 2025: A 22-year-old law student from Pune, Sharmistha Panoli, was taken into custody by Kolkata Police in Gurugram for allegedly sharing a social media post that contained offensive remarks hurting religious sentiments during Operation Sindoor.
According to authorities, she uploaded a video on Instagram featuring comments that were considered insulting and inflammatory towards a specific religious group.
The video, which has since been removed, had rapidly circulated online, drawing severe criticism and public outrage. In response, a formal complaint was filed in Kolkata, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Panoli. The charges include sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to inciting communal discord and offending religious sentiments.
“A case was registered in relation to an Instagram video posted by Sharmistha Panoli that caused offence to a religious group,” confirmed a police official, adding that the post violated legal provisions related to communal harmony.
Investigators reportedly tried several times to deliver a legal notice to her, but she and her family could not be located. Once initial efforts failed, an arrest warrant was secured from the court, and she was eventually located and arrested in Gurugram, police said.
Public Apology Issued
In the wake of the controversy, Sharmistha Panoli publicly apologized on social media, expressing regret over the incident. In her statement on X (formerly Twitter), she clarified, “These were my personal views and I never meant to cause harm. I sincerely apologize to anyone who felt hurt. I will be more mindful of what I share publicly in the future.”
In Pune, Vimantal police station has also registered an FIR against her.
