Pune law student arrested for derogatory post on Prophet Muhammad
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A Pune-based law student, Sharmishta Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata police from Gurugram on Friday, May 30, in connection with a derogatory post targeting Prophet Muhammad. The controversial video, shared on X, contained offensive remarks following Operation Sindoor and sparked widespread outrage within the Muslim community.
Following the uproar, a complaint was filed at a Kolkata police station, leading to the registration of an FIR against Panoli. She faces charges under sections 196 (promoting hatred or enmity between religious communities), 299 (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings), and 353 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samithi (BNS).
Sharmishta, a law student at Symbiosis College, posted disparaging content about Islam and Prophet Muhammad on her X account on May 14. Although the post has since been deleted, it contained insulting remarks that deeply offended the religious community.
Reacting strongly, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan demanded swift action, stating, “No Muslim will tolerate abusive words about our Prophet.”
The day after the controversy, Sharmishta issued an unconditional apology, stating, “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 posts. Again, please accept my apologies.”