Pune law student arrested for offensive remarks on Operation Sindoor

Kolkata Police have arrested a Pune law student from Gurugram for allegedly making offensive comments while replying to a post on Operation Sindoor.

She was considered to be absconding when the FIR was filed, and thus an arrest warrant was issued to track her down.

Also read: No curbs on Ashoka prof’s freedom of speech, but can't comment on cases: SC

Police arrested her and produced her before a Gurgaon court.

'Disrespectful, derogatory' remarks

Police say that the 22-year-old fourth-year BBA LLB Honours student at Symbiosis Law School, Sharmistha Panoli, had uploaded comments on Instagram that contained "disrespectful and derogatory remarks" targeting a particular religion.

The clip went viral, sparking outrage and leading to a police complaint being filed at a police station in Kolkata. Following that, an FIR was registered against her by Kolkata Police.

Also read: Ashoka varsity prof gets bail, but SC slams choice of words, orders SIT probe

The FIR was lodged under sections 196(1) (a) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens), 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace), 353(1)(c) (statements that incite public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Arrest warrant issued

Authorities claimed that several attempts to contact Panoli and her family members went in vain, as they were untraceable. Citing this as reason, a court issued an arrest warrant for her.

After extensive investigation and suspect tracking by the Police, she was finally arrested in Gurgaon.

Also read: BJP MLC Ravikumar booked for ‘Pak’ remark against Kalaburagi IAS officer

Apology for comments

Since the arrest warrant, Panoli had asked for forgiveness through social media, saying that she apologised to anyone who were hurt by her comments.

She wrote on X, "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, please accept my apologies."

Also read: 'Entire nation in shame': SC orders probe against MP minister over remarks on Col Qureshi

“A complaint was received, and the investigation is going on. As per law, all necessary steps will be taken,” Harikrishna Pai, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Port Division, told The Indian Express.

She was produced before a Gurgaon court and will be brought to Kolkata on transit remand, officials said.