Instagram Influencer Arrested Over Operation Sindoor Video

The video’s rapid virality prompted formal complaints, and despite Panoli’s public apology, legal action followed after she reportedly evaded multiple attempts to serve her legal notices. A Kolkata court issued an arrest warrant, and she was taken into custody late Friday night, leading to a charged national debate about freedom of expression, communal harmony, and the legal risks of social media misuse.

Social Media Video Sparks Legal Backlash and Arrest

The controversy began when Panoli uploaded a reel where she targeted Bollywood stars, questioning their silence on Operation Sindoor, while allegedly using language that many perceived as communal and inflammatory. The content spread rapidly, drawing criticism from several quarters for promoting hate speech during a sensitive national moment.

Despite deleting the post and issuing a public apology, the damage had been done. A complaint had already been lodged in Kolkata, and attempts by police to deliver notices to Panoli and her family reportedly failed—resulting in her being marked as untraceable. The Alipore Court in Kolkata eventually issued a non-bailable arrest warrant, underlining that social media content—even if deleted—can have serious legal consequences, especially if it touches upon national security or communal sentiment.

Her arrest in Gurugram followed standard procedures, according to Kolkata Police. They dismissed claims of political targeting or unlawful detention, emphasizing that the arrest only occurred after repeated evasion of due legal process.

Judicial Custody, Freedom of Speech Debate, and Online Conduct

Panoli was presented before the Alipore Court, where her bail plea was rejected, and she was remanded to judicial custody till June 13, 2025. The case has ignited intense debate across digital platforms about the limits of free speech, especially on controversial or sensitive issues like military operations and communal politics.

Legal experts note that while India upholds freedom of expression, it also enforces strict laws against hate speech, incitement, and communal disharmony under sections like IPC 295A and IT Act provisions. This case serves as a reminder that influencers and content creators must exercise responsibility and legal awareness, especially when discussing national security issues or religious matters online.

This incident also highlights a growing trend where social media actions lead to legal accountability, with courts and police taking swift action even across state boundaries. As content continues to blur lines between personal expression and public influence, digital conduct is now under greater legal and ethical scrutiny than ever before.