Kolkata Influencer Sharmistha Panoli’s faces Health Concerns in Jail
Legal and civil liberties groups question Kolkata Police action as influencer remains in custody till June 13
Kolkata, June 3, 2025 — The arrest of 22-year-old social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli has ignited a growing controversy across India, with legal experts and civil society raising serious concerns over freedom of expression, police action, and her deteriorating health conditions in jail.
Panoli was arrested on May 30 by Kolkata Police from Gurugram, Haryana, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a video posted on Instagram related to Operation Sindoor. Though she deleted the post and issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter) on May 15, she was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by the Alipore Court.
Lawyer Flags Poor Jail Conditions, Health Issues
Panoli’s legal counsel, Md Samimuddin, has claimed that she is suffering in unsanitary conditions at Alipore Women’s Correctional Home, adding that she is unwell due to kidney stones and is being denied access to newspapers and magazines.
“We have filed a petition to ensure she receives basic rights and medical attention. She is innocent and should be granted bail,” Samimuddin said.
“We are hopeful that a decision will be made in the next few days.”
Panoli’s legal team is pressing for bail before June 13, citing her medical condition and alleged procedural lapses in her arrest.
Bar Council Chairman Slams Arrest as Unconstitutional
On June 1, Bar Council of India Chairman and Supreme Court senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra condemned the arrest, calling it a “violation of constitutional rights” and an attack on free speech.
“This is not justice. The arrest of a law student for expressing her views is a dangerous precedent,” Mishra stated, accusing the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police of biased law enforcement.
Mishra also noted that selective targeting based on religious identity is becoming more common and must be addressed urgently in legal circles.
Counter-FIR Filed Against Original Complainant
The controversy deepened on June 2, when Prasun Maitra, president of an NGO in North 24 Parganas, filed a counter-complaint against Wazahat Khan Qadri, who had lodged the original FIR against Panoli. Maitra alleged that Qadri had himself posted anti-Hindu content on X, suggesting a double standard in law enforcement.
This counteraction has amplified public calls for impartial investigations and equal application of the law.
Timeline of the Controversy
- May 15: Panoli deletes the controversial video and apologizes publicly on X.
- May 30: Kolkata Police arrest her in Gurugram after unsuccessful attempts to serve a legal notice.
- May 31: She is produced in Alipore Court and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
- June 1–2: Legal fraternity and NGOs step forward in her support, criticizing state action and filing counter-FIRs.
Questions Raised Over Police Procedure
Panoli and her family were reportedly unreachable when police attempted to serve notice, prompting a non-bailable warrant from the court. Critics argue that issuing a warrant after an apology and content removal reflects excessive legal action.
Civil rights groups have pointed out that Panoli was not a fugitive and could have been summoned via legal counsel instead of arresting her from another state.