Sharmistha Panoli Arrest: Pawan Kalyan, Amit Malviya Defend 22-Year-Old Influencer After Arrest Over Controversial Video

Social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli found herself at the centre of a growing political and legal storm after a controversial video she posted targeting Bollywood celebrities and making allegedly objectionable remarks about a particular religion. The video, which referenced the recent Operation Sindoor and criticised the silence of several celebrities, has drawn both backlash and political support.

I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY whatever was put are my personal feelings and i never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody so if anybody is hurt I’m sorry for the same. I expect co-operation and understanding. Henceforth, i will be cautious in my public post. Again…

— Sharmishta (@Sharmishta__19) May 15, 2025

Following widespread outrage, a case was registered against Sharmistha in Kolkata. She was later arrested by the West Bengal Police from Gurugram and taken into custody. Her arrest has further ignited the controversy, with high-profile political leaders now stepping into the debate.

Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut was among the first to speak out in support of Sharmistha. Joining her are Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP leader Amit Malviya, both of whom have criticised the arrest and questioned the selective enforcement of the law.

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, in a post on social media platform X, defended Sharmistha, stating that she had openly expressed her views on Operation Sindoor. He acknowledged that while some may have found her statements offensive, she had accepted her mistake, deleted the video, and even issued a public apology. Yet, she was arrested without delay. He further questioned the double standards in law enforcement, asking, "Why are there no arrests or apologies when TMC leaders mock Sanatan Dharma or call Hinduism a dirty religion?"

Sharmistha Panoli, just 22 years old, has been arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody over a video she had already deleted and publicly apologised for on May 15. There have been no reports of communal unrest linked to her remarks, yet the Kolkata Police is acting with…

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 1, 2025

BJP’s Amit Malviya also voiced support on X, highlighting that Sharmistha, a 22-year-old, was sent to 14-day judicial custody despite deleting the controversial video on May 15 and apologising publicly. He emphasized that there was no evidence of communal unrest resulting from her remarks, yet the Kolkata Police acted in haste. He accused the authorities of selective enforcement, stating that the issue was no longer about law and order but about targeting individuals based on ideology.

Malviya also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that she herself has made divisive statements in the past which have led to violence and property damage, but has never been held accountable in the same manner.

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