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Key Points

Actress Kangana Ranaut has voiced her support for influencer Sharmishta Panoli, urging the West Bengal government to release her from judicial custody. In her statement, Kangana criticized the harsh treatment of Panoli, comparing it to tactics used in North Korea. Panoli, who was arrested due to a controversial online post, had already issued an apology and removed the video. The incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding freedom of expression and judicial processes in India.

Key Points: Kangana Ranaut Urges Release of Influencer Sharmishta Panoli

  • Kangana questions Panoli's detention relating it to North Korea tactics
  • Panoli apologised and removed the controversial video
  • Influencer's judicial custody stirs debate, raises questions on legal handling
2 min read

Harassing in name of law, order is not good: Kangana Ranaut takes N Korea jibe, seeks release of influencer Sharmishta Panoli

Kangana urges West Bengal to release Sharmishta Panoli, likening the situation to North Korea.

"Harassing someone in the name of law and order is not good. - Kangana Ranaut"

New Delhi, June 1

Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Sunday urged for the release of 22-year-old influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who was remanded to judicial custody by a court in Kolkata, a day after West Bengal Police arrested her from her Gurugram in Haryana.

"Harassing someone in the name of law and order is not good. When someone has apologised and deleted the post, but putting her in prison, torturing her, ending her career and raising questions on her character is very wrong. This should not happen with any daughter," Kangana told ANI.

Further, she said, "I urge the West Bengal government not to try to make the state into North Korea. Everyone has democratic rights. She has apologised for her indecent remarks. She had said everything in general and today's generation uses such language very normally- both in English and in Hindi. She should be released soon because she is a very young woman. She has her whole career and life ahead of her..."

North Korea is ruled by a dictator Kim Jong Un.

Kolkata Police arrested Panoli from Haryana's Gurugram on Friday night. She is a law student in Pune, Maharashtra. On Saturday, Panoli was produced before the Alipore Court in Kolkata, which remanded her in judicial custody for 14 days.

According to the Kolkata Police, several attempts were made to serve legal notices to Panoli and her family, but the attempts were unsuccessful because Panoli and her family absconded.

Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued by the court, based on which she was arrested from Gurugram on Friday.

"The case relates to an Instagram video by a lady named Sharmishta Panoli that hurt the religious sentiments of a particular community. FIR was lodged in Garden Reach Police Station. Attempts to serve notice as per law couldn't be successful since the accused, with her family absconded. Subsequently, warrant of arrest was issued by the court of law, based on which she was arrested from Gurgaon yesterday," as per the Kolkata Police.

However, Panoli had deleted the video and issued an apology on May 15.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Kangana is right about one thing - the punishment seems too harsh for a young girl who already apologized. But comparing WB to North Korea? Really? Our democracy has checks and balances that North Korea can only dream of. Let's not trivialize real oppression.
P
Priya M.
As a law student myself, I'm conflicted. Freedom of speech is important, but so is respecting religious sentiments in our diverse society. The police followed due process with warrants. Maybe a fine would have been better than jail for a first-time offender though. 🤔
A
Amit S.
Typical Kolkata police overreach! If they can't handle criticism, how will they handle real crimes? The girl apologized, case should be closed. This is why young Indians are moving abroad - we claim to be democratic but act like moral police at every opportunity.
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Neha T.
The real issue is our outdated laws on hurting sentiments. In today's digital age, every joke or opinion can offend someone. We need legal reforms, not knee-jerk arrests. That said, influencers should also be more responsible with their words. Both sides need maturity.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how Kangana speaks up for this girl but stays silent when others face similar situations in BJP-ruled states. Selective outrage won't help anyone. Either stand for free speech consistently or don't pretend to be a champion of democracy. 🙄

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