A huge controversy has erupted in Kolkata after the arrest of Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old law student and social media influencer, for allegedly posting a video that hurt religious sentiments. The case took another twist when the man who filed the complaint leading to her arrest, Wazahat Khan Qadri, found himself in trouble. He is now facing at least seven complaints for making communal and inflammatory posts on social media.
What Happened with Sharmishta Panoli?
Sharmishta Panoli was arrested from Gurugram, Haryana, by the Kolkata Police on May 30, 2025. The arrest was made after a complaint was filed by Wazahat Khan Qadri at the Garden Reach police station. The police said that Panoli’s video, which she later deleted and apologized for, was considered insulting to the religious beliefs of a particular group and promoted disharmony and hatred between communities. The case was registered under sections of the newly implemented Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Panoli is currently in judicial custody until June 13 at the Alipore Women’s Correctional Home. Her lawyer has said that she is not well and is suffering from kidney stones. He has also claimed that she is not getting proper medical care and is being denied basic amenities in jail. The court has asked for a report on her condition and the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the West Bengal DGP to ensure her safety.
The Complainant’s Turn in the Spotlight
Wazahat Khan Qadri, who filed the FIR against Panoli, is now facing complaints himself. At least seven complaints have been filed against him at the Kolkata Police headquarters and several police stations. These complaints accuse him of making communal and inflammatory posts on social media. One of the complainants, Prasun Maitra, who heads an NGO, has called Khan a “habitual offender” and urged the authorities to take action against him just as they did against Panoli.
Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account is currently locked. The police have said that they are verifying the complaints and will take legal action if needed.
What Happened to Wazahat Khan Qadri?
In a surprising turn of events, Wazahat Khan Qadri has gone missing since Sunday night, according to his family. His father, Saadat Khan, says that the family has been receiving threatening phone calls ever since Panoli’s arrest. He claims that his son is innocent and secular and could not have insulted Hinduism. He also suggested that his son’s social media account might have been hacked.
The Bigger Picture: Hate Speech and Social Media
This case has sparked a big debate about hate speech and freedom of speech on social media. The Kolkata Police have defended their actions, saying that hate speech targeting any religious group is a punishable offence and should not be confused with freedom of expression. They have also denied claims that Panoli was arrested for expressing patriotism or opposing Pakistan, saying that the arrest was only for sharing content that promoted hatred among communities.
The case has become political, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing Panoli’s arrest, saying that she had already deleted the video and apologized for it. Meanwhile, some groups are angry that the police acted quickly against Panoli but are not acting as fast against others accused of similar offences.
Why Does This Matter?
This case shows how social media can quickly turn into a battleground for hate speech and communal tension. One person’s complaint can lead to another’s arrest, and then the tables can turn, and the complainant can also face complaints. It highlights the need for careful handling of such sensitive issues by both the police and the public.
It also raises important questions about how the law should treat hate speech and whether everyone is treated equally. Some people feel that the police are quick to act against certain individuals but slow to act against others, which can lead to distrust in the system.
What Should We Learn from This?
This story is a reminder that words can have serious consequences, especially on social media. It is important to think before we post anything online, especially if it is about religion, community, or sensitive topics. We should also remember that the law should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of who they are or what community they belong to.
Final Note
The case of Sharmishta Panoli and Wazahat Khan Qadri is a complex one, involving issues of hate speech, freedom of expression, and equal treatment under the law. It shows how quickly things can escalate on social media and how important it is for everyone—police, public, and politicians—to act responsibly. The case is still developing, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the complaints against Khan and ensure justice for everyone involved.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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