'No Need To Bully And Harass Her': Kangana Ranaut Demands Release Of Influencer Sharmistha Panoli

BJP MP and Kangana Ranaut on Saturday took to her Instagram story and demanded the release of influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli. Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on Friday over a complaint against her for a now-deleted video in which she allegedly made communal comments and also spoke about the silence of Bollywood celebs on Operation Sindoor.

Kangana wrote, "I agree that Sharmistha 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 (sic)."

Television actress Rupali Ganguly also tweeted in support of Sharmistha. She wrote, "The girl accidentally committed a mistake for which she later apologized. I think it would have been enough to give her a few warnings by police and let her go. Btw What about those who are openly threatening to kill this girl? #sharmistha (sic)."

The girl accidentally committed a mistake for which she later apologized. I think it would have been enough to give her a few warnings by police and let her go.

Btw What about those who are openly threatening to kill this girl? #sharmistha pic.twitter.com/QhgbU55lTz

— Rupali Ganguly (@TheRupali) May 31, 2025

'This Is Not What Democracy Is': Sharmistha Panoli

A video shared by IANS shows that as cops are taking Sharmistha with them, she is seen shouting and saying, "The harassment you have done being in a democracy, this is not what democracy is."

Kolkata, West Bengal: Kolkata Police arrested a law student Sharmistha Panoli from Pune in Gurgaon for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through social media posts on Operation Sindoor. She was brought to Kolkata on transit remand and produced before the Alipore CJM Court.… pic.twitter.com/jxDpcVSzlJ

— IANS (@ians_india) May 31, 2025

#ReleaseSharmistha has been trending on X as many netizens feel that she should be released. Reportedly, Sharmishta has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

Sharmistha's Apology

Earlier this month, after sharing the video, she posted an apology on X (Twitter). Sharmistha wrote, "I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY 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 post. Again please accept my apologies (sic)."