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Dutch MP Geert Wilders Demands Release of Arrested Influencer Sharmistha Panoli

Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian influencer, was arrested by Kolkata Police for communal social media content. Dutch MP Geert Wilders condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of free speech and urged Indian PM Narendra Modi to release her. The case has sparked political tensions between BJP and West Bengal's ruling party. Authorities maintain all legal protocols were followed.

Dutch MP Geert Wilders Demands Release of Arrested Influencer Sharmistha Panoli

Dutch Politician Calls for Release of Arrested Influencer

Geert Wilders, a prominent Dutch parliamentarian and leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom, has voiced strong support for Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian social media influencer recently arrested by Kolkata Police. Wilders condemned the arrest as a violation of freedom of speech and has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for her release.

Wilders' statement on social media highlighted:

  • "Free the brave Sharmistha Panoli!"
  • "It is a disgrace for freedom of speech that she was arrested."
  • "Do not punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad."

Background on the Arrest

Sharmistha Panoli, a law student, was taken into custody following videos she posted on social media that contained abusive and communally sensitive content. The posts also criticized Bollywood actors for their silence during Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory action after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

The arrest triggered political debates, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied groups accusing the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, of failing to maintain communal harmony. The FIR against Panoli cites sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting religious enmity, deliberate insults intended to provoke peace breaches, and outraging religious feelings. Following her arrest, she was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

Political Reactions Surrounding the Case

Jana Kalyan Sena leader Pawan Kalyan weighed in, noting that although Panoli's words were "regrettable and hurtful," she acknowledged her mistake, removed the content, and apologized. He contrasted this response with the actions of some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders who, according to him, have mocked Hindu traditions without facing consequences.

In response to BJP allegations, Mamata Banerjee accused the party of stoking communal tensions in West Bengal and rejected the party's views as contradictory to Hindu principles.

Kalyan further emphasized that blasphemy should be universally condemned and urged the West Bengal Police to apply the law impartially, highlighting the need for consistent enforcement across all communities.

Kolkata Police Clarify Legal Procedure and Call for Responsible Information Sharing

Kolkata Police issued a statement addressing claims of unlawful arrest, asserting that all legal protocols were followed meticulously. They stated attempts were made to notify Panoli, but she was reportedly evading service of notice, leading to a court-issued arrest warrant. She was lawfully arrested in Gurgaon and produced before magistrates per due process.

The police call on the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to refer to authoritative sources for updates.

Aftermath and Apology

Shortly after the controversy erupted, Panoli deleted the contentious posts and issued a public apology.

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Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian social media influencer, was arrested by Kolkata Police for posting abusive and communally sensitive content related to India's Operation Sindoor. Dutch MP Geert Wilders publicly condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of free speech and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. The case has sparked political debate with parties exchanging accusations over communal tensions and freedom of expression. Kolkata Police affirm adherence to legal procedures amid calls for verified information. Panoli apologized and deleted the controversial posts after the backlash.

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