Kangana Ranaut Bats for Sharmishta Panoli's Release After Kolkata Police FIR Over Pakistan Remarks
New Delhi, May 31 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — Actress and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has called for the immediate release of social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who was booked by Kolkata Police for her alleged inflammatory remarks against Pakistan. Ranaut said that while Sharmishta's words may have been “unpleasant,” she has apologized and should not be “bullied or harassed.”
Taking to Instagram Stories, Kangana shared a photo of the influencer and wrote:
“I agree that Sharmishta used some unpleasant words for her expression, but such words most youngsters use these days, she apologised for her statements and that should be enough, no need to bully and harass her further. She should be released immediately.”
What Triggered the Controversy?
Sharmishta Panoli, known for her outspoken views on national security and Indian cinema, recently came under the scanner for a video she posted—now deleted—in which she slammed Bollywood actors for maintaining silence over the terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The video included strong language and criticism of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism.
As per reports, Panoli has been booked under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) under several serious charges:
- Section 196(1)(a): Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, or place of birth.
- Section 299: Malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- Section 352: Intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace.
- Section 353(1)(c): Statements that incite public mischief.
Legal experts say the FIR invokes broad provisions that could potentially be challenged under free speech protections, especially in the context of national discourse on terrorism and foreign policy.
Context: The Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor
Sharmishta's remarks were made in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indian civilians were killed in what officials have described as a cross-border operation orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror groups.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calculated and non-escalatory military strike targeting nine terror infrastructure sites inside Pakistan, including in Punjab province—a move seen as a strategic shift from earlier responses limited to PoK and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Indian defence sources, the strike marked the first time India directly hit targets in Pakistan’s civilian-military heartland, disrupting hybrid leadership structures and sending a clear diplomatic message. India’s air-defence systems successfully neutralized projectiles launched by Pakistan, most of which were reportedly Chinese-made.
Growing Support for Sharmishta
Kangana Ranaut’s public statement adds to the growing chorus of voices online demanding Sharmishta's release. Netizens and several political commentators have raised concerns about selective enforcement of speech laws, especially when the remarks are centered around national interest and security.
“Sharmishta spoke out in anger about a terror attack. She later apologized. Yet she’s facing harsh legal consequences while known hate-mongers walk free,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
Another post questioned whether dissenting voices critical of Pakistan or terrorism are being deliberately silenced in certain states:
“If a woman can’t express her anger over a terror attack that killed 26 civilians, what message are we sending about freedom of speech in India?”
Political and Legal Implications
While Kangana Ranaut’s remarks carry weight due to her dual role as a cultural and political figure, the case may soon escalate into a larger legal and political debate. Legal observers say this could test the boundaries of India’s newly implemented criminal codes and their interpretation concerning speech and digital expression.
A senior advocate familiar with the matter said,
“The application of the BNS in this case raises critical questions. While hate speech must be checked, criticism of Pakistan for sponsoring terror—especially in the wake of an acknowledged attack—cannot be equated with religious enmity or public mischief.”
What Happens Next?
Sharmishta Panoli remains in police custody as investigations continue. Her legal team is expected to file for bail, and a petition may soon be moved challenging the constitutional validity of the charges framed under BNS.
Meanwhile, Kangana’s post has reinvigorated online support for the influencer, with hashtags like #FreeSharmishta and #JusticeForSharmishta trending across social media platforms.
As India continues to assert its sovereignty with bold actions like Operation Sindoor, the case of Sharmishta Panoli is quickly evolving into a litmus test for the country’s commitment to free expression, especially in matters of national importance.