Kolkata Police on Sunday clarified rumours spreading over social media about law student Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest. It stated that some accounts are spreading false information claiming that Kolkata Police has “unlawfully” arrested a student for opposing Pakistan. Kolkata Police has refuted these claims, and called the narrative “mischievous and misleading.” Notably, Panoli was arrested from Gurugram on Friday night. The Alipore Court had sent her to 14 days judicial custody.
Kolkata Police affirmed that it stands firmly with the citizens of India and share same sentiment on patriotism. “Expressing national pride and patriotism is a thing that every citizen and organisation stands for. Kolkata Police being no different, stands firmly with the citizens of India,” Kolkata Police said.
Kolkata Police Calls Her Arrest Lawful
The statement by the Kolkata Police again reiterated that the case against Panoli was registered on the basis of allegations that she posted a video which was insulting to the religious belief of a class of citizen. Case against her was registered under appropriate section of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), stated Kolkata Police.
The statement read as: “It’s again reiterated that in the instant incident, a case was registered against the accused at Gardenreach PS on 15.05.24 on the basis of allegations that she posted a video which was insulting to the religious belief of a class of citizen of India and amounted to promoting disharmony and hatred between different communities. The case was registered under appropriate section of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case was duly investigated and adhering to legal procedures, several attempts were made to serve notice u/s 35 of BNSS to the accused but everytime she was found absconding.”
Kolkata Police further added that attempts were made to serve her notice following the registration of case, but she wasn’t found at home whenever they visited. Therefore, she was apprehended from Gujarat after an arrest warrant was issued by the Court.
“Consequently a warrant of arrest was issued by the competent Court, following which she was apprehended lawfully from Gurgaon during day time. She was thereafter produced before the appropriate Magistrate and was granted transit remand as per due process of law. Later the Court sent her to judicial custody,” Kolkata Police added.
The police also stated that hate speech and abusive language are punishable offence and should not be misconstrued.
“Hate speech & abusive language should not be misconstrued as freedom of speech & expression as enshrined in Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. Kolkata Police acted lawfully according to the procedure established by law. The accused was not arrested for expressing patriotism or for personal belief; legal actions were taken for sharing offensive content which promotes hatred among the communities. We urge the all concerned to act responsibly and refrain from doing anything that would benefit our enemies,” the statement added.
