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Kangana Ranaut Demands Immediate Release of Sharmishta Panoli: “No Need for Harassment”
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has strongly advocated for the release of Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police over a controversial video related to Operation Sindoor. Kangana took to her Instagram Stories to express her stance, stating that while Panoli’s choice of words may have been harsh, she has already apologized and should not face further harassment.
What Did Kangana Ranaut Say?
In her Instagram post, Kangana wrote:
“I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words in her expression, but such language is common among youngsters today. She has apologized for her statements, and that should be enough. There’s no need to bully or harass her further—she should be released immediately.”
Kangana’s statement comes after Panoli was arrested from Gurugram following a complaint filed against her in Kolkata.
Why Was Sharmishta Panoli Arrested?
Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune, posted a video criticizing Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
Her remarks sparked massive backlash, with many accusing her of spreading communal hatred. After facing severe trolling and threats, Panoli deleted the video and issued an apology. However, Kolkata Police had already registered an FIR against her.
During Operation Sindoor, Sharmistha, a law student, spoke out, her words regrettable and hurtful to some. She owned her mistake, deleted the video and apologized. The WB Police swiftly acted, taking action against Sharmistha.
But what about the deep, searing pain inflicted… pic.twitter.com/YBotf34YYe
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) May 31, 2025
Pawan Kalyan Weighs In: Calls for Equal Justice
Telugu superstar and politician Pawan Kalyan also reacted to the controversy, questioning the selective outrage in such cases. In a tweet, he said:
“Sharmishta, a law student, spoke out during Operation Sindoor. Her words were regrettable, but she owned her mistake, deleted the video, and apologized. Yet, WB Police acted swiftly against her. But when elected leaders mock Sanatana Dharma, where is the outrage? Where is their arrest?”
Kalyan’s statement highlights the ongoing debate over freedom of speech vs. hate speech, with many questioning whether legal actions are being applied fairly across political and social lines.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
The arrest has led to polarized reactions on social media:
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Supporters argue that Panoli’s arrest sets a dangerous precedent for free speech.
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Critics believe her remarks crossed the line into hate speech, justifying legal action.
What’s Next for Sharmishta Panoli?
As of now, Panoli remains in custody, with legal proceedings underway. Meanwhile, voices like Kangana Ranaut and Pawan Kalyan continue to demand her release, calling for proportional consequences rather than excessive punishment.
Final Thoughts
The case raises critical questions about freedom of expression, accountability, and political bias in legal actions. Should controversial remarks lead to arrests, or is there room for dialogue and correction?
As the debate continues, one thing is clear—this incident has ignited a nationwide discussion on justice, secularism, and the limits of free speech in India.
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