Kangana Ranaut Urges Release of Influencer Arrested Over Operation Sindoor Video
| 2025-06-01
Kangana Ranaut has defended influencer Sharmishta Panoli, calling her arrest unjust after a controversial video on Operation Sindoor, saying her apology should suffice.
Indian MP Kangana Ranaut calls for release of influencer Sharmishta Panoli, arrested after video comments on Operation Sindoor sparked backlash.
Indian MP Kangana Ranaut calls for influencer’s release after arrest over Operation Sindoor remarks
Indian actor and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has urged the immediate release of law student and social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who was arrested on Friday following a controversial video she posted regarding recent military operations and Bollywood’s public silence.
Panoli, a student at a law university in Pune, was taken into custody by Kolkata Police from Gurugram, in the northern state of Haryana. Her arrest follows a complaint linked to a social media video in which she criticised Hindi film actors for not commenting on “Operation Sindoor”—an Indian military strike launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kangana Ranaut defends influencer
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Ranaut acknowledged that Panoli’s language in the video may have been inappropriate, but argued that it did not justify police action.
“I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression but such words most youngsters use these days,” she wrote. “She apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully or harass her further, she should be released immediately.”
Ranaut, who entered politics in 2024 and currently serves as a Member of Parliament, is known for her outspoken positions on national issues.
Controversial video and arrest
Panoli’s original video, now deleted, received widespread criticism on social media platforms. In the video, she questioned the silence of Bollywood celebrities regarding Operation Sindoor, which was carried out earlier in May following a terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people and was followed by heightened military activity along the India–Pakistan border.
Kolkata Police registered a case against Panoli shortly after the video surfaced. Legal notices were also reportedly served to her and her family. Despite issuing a public apology, Panoli was arrested on Friday night and has since been placed in 14-day judicial custody.
Public reaction and legal response
The arrest has drawn mixed reactions. A video released by the Indian news agency IANS shows Panoli being escorted by police, during which she is heard saying, “The harassment you have done being in a democracy, this is not what democracy is.”
The hashtag #ReleaseSharmistha has since trended on social media platforms, with several public figures and users calling for her release. Among them, television actress Rupali Ganguly commented on social media, suggesting that a warning would have sufficed, rather than formal charges.
Panoli’s apology, posted earlier this month on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), read: “I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody… Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post.”
Tensions over Operation Sindoor
The situation arises amid sensitive bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, following the April terrorist attack. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor—a military initiative targeting militant infrastructure in Pakistan-administered regions. Although both countries announced a ceasefire in late May, tensions remain high, and public discourse on the subject continues to attract strong reactions.
The controversy surrounding Panoli’s remarks highlights ongoing debates in India regarding freedom of expression, online speech, and the boundaries of criticism in politically charged contexts.
Context: Social media and legal scrutiny
India has seen an increase in legal actions against individuals accused of making inflammatory or politically sensitive remarks online. Critics argue that the line between offensive speech and free expression is becoming increasingly blurred, particularly in cases involving high-profile or emotive national issues.
Supporters of stricter enforcement claim that unchecked statements can incite unrest or communal discord. In this case, while the specific charges against Panoli have not been officially disclosed, the nature of the complaint suggests that authorities viewed her video as potentially provocative.
The matter continues to spark national conversation about digital conduct, law enforcement, and the rights of individuals to voice dissent in democratic societies.
India Rebukes Pakistan Over Indus Waters Treaty at UN Glacier Conference
India accuses Pakistan of misusing UN glacier forum after Shehbaz Sharif criticises Indus Waters Treaty suspension amid terrorism and climate concerns.
|2025-06-01
India Reduces Commercial LPG Cylinder Price by ₹24 Amid Global Oil Trends
Commercial LPG prices in India drop by ₹24 to ₹1,723.50 per 19kg cylinder from 1 June, while domestic rates remain unchanged.
|2025-06-01
Colombia Withdraws Condolence Statement to Pakistan After India Briefing
Colombia retracts condolences to Pakistan following Indian delegation's clarification on Kashmir conflict and Operation Sindoor
|2025-05-31
India Restricts IndiGo's Lease of Turkish Aircraft Amid Tensions with Ankara
India grants final 3-month extension to IndiGo for Turkish Airlines aircraft lease, citing diplomatic tensions and national security concerns.
|2025-05-31
India-Pakistan Ties Unlikely to Improve Soon, Says Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar says India-Pakistan ties may not improve soon, citing missed reconciliation opportunities post-Partition and growing political divides.
|2025-05-31