Influencer Sharmistha Panoli’s Health Worsens in Jail

Lawyer Claims Basic Rights Denied

Kolkata: Sharmistha Panoli is a well-known social media influencer. Her health is rapidly declining while in custody at Alipore Women’s Correctional Home. She was arrested on May 30 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Lawyer Speaks Out

Md Samimuddin, her lawyer, is working hard to secure her release before June 13. He stated, “We are doing everything we can to get her out of jail soon. We will discuss the matter today and decide on the next steps in a day or two.”

Samimuddin also highlighted several concerns:

• Poor hygiene conditions around her.
• Her declining health, including kidney stones.
• Denial of access to newspapers and magazines.
• A petition filed in court for her basic rights.
• Her innocence and their efforts to secure bail.

Criticism of the Arrest

Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India and a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court, criticized Sharmistha’s arrest on June 1. He called it unjust and an attack on free speech.

Mishra pointed out several issues:

• Bias by the Bengal government and Kolkata Police.
• Targeting specific community members.
• Ignoring serious crimes by others.

Complaint Against Wazahat Khan Qadri

Prasun Maitra, president of an NGO in North 24 Parganas, filed a complaint against Wazahat Khan Qadri on June 2. Wazahat had initially filed the FIR against Panoli. Maitra accused Wazahat of posting anti-Hindu content on social media.

Details of the Arrest

Sharmistha is a 22-year-old law student from Pune. Kolkata Police arrested her in Gurugram for posting offensive content about Operation Sindoor. She had removed the Instagram video and apologized on social media. However, she was still placed in judicial custody until June 13.

The Alipore Court ordered a 14-day judicial custody when Panoli appeared on Saturday.

Kolkata Police attempted to serve legal notices to Panoli and her family but were unsuccessful as they had absconded. The court then issued an arrest warrant, leading to her arrest in Gurugram. Despite Panoli removing the video and apologizing on May 15, the Garden Reach Police Station processed the FIR for violating religious sentiments.