Kangana Ranaut Condemns Arrest of Influencer Sharmishta Panoli
Kangana Ranaut has condemned the arrest of Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli by Kolkata Police, urging the West Bengal government to respect democratic rights. Ranaut emphasized that harassing individuals under the pretext of law and order is unacceptable, especially when apologies have been made. She called for Panoli's immediate release, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of young women. The controversy has also drawn support from other political figures, including Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who criticized the police's actions. This incident raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of social media influencers in India.
| Jun 1, 2025, 17:25 IST
Kangana Ranaut Criticizes West Bengal Government
Following the arrest of Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli by Kolkata Police in Gurugram, BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has strongly criticized the action. She urged the West Bengal government not to attempt to turn the state into North Korea.
Speaking to the media regarding Panoli's arrest, Ranaut stated that it is inappropriate to harass individuals in the name of law and order, as everyone possesses democratic rights.
Ranaut expressed, 'It is not right to harass someone under the guise of law and order. When a person apologizes and deletes a post, imprisoning them, torturing them, ruining their career, and questioning their character is extremely wrong. No daughter should have to endure this.'
#WATCH | Delhi: On the arrest of Sharmistha Panoli from Gurugram by Kolkata Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through her comments on social media, actor Kangana Ranaut says, "Harassing someone in the name of law and order is not good. When someone has apologised… pic.twitter.com/SEtPALH9lH
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) June 1, 2025
Kangana further requested the Mamata government not to try to make Bengal resemble North Korea. She stated, 'I urge the West Bengal government not to attempt to turn the state into North Korea. Everyone has democratic rights. She has apologized for her inappropriate remarks. Today's generation commonly uses such language in both English and Hindi. She should be released soon as she is a young woman with her entire career and life ahead of her.'
Additionally, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan also voiced his support for Panoli, condemning her arrest by Kolkata Police over the alleged communal video.