New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reportedly issued a notice to the Director General of Police, West Bengal, Rajeev Kumar to ensure the safety of social media influencer and law student Sharmishtha Panoli, who was allegedly arrested for sharing communal remarks related to Operation Sindoor, according to NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo.
Kanoongo stated that the action was taken primarily in response to the “multiple rape and death threats” Panoli had received in recent days. The Human Rights Commission also received a complaint alleging procedural lapses in Panoli’s arrest by West Bengal Police in Haryana.
Panoli was arrested in Gurugram, Haryana, on May 30 by West Bengal Police over a contentious social media post. She has since been placed in judicial custody until June 13.
Legal Rights Observatory seeks clarification from Haryana government
“We received a complaint from an organisation called Legal Rights Observatory regarding the arrest of a law student by West Bengal Police from Haryana in the middle of the night over an allegedly objectionable social media post. The complaint alleges that proper legal procedures were not followed during her arrest and transit. It also states that the girl has received threats from radical Islamists, including rape and death threats,” Kanoongo was quoted as saying by ANI.
Kanoongo further stated that the NHRC has contacted the Haryana government to verify whether due process was followed during Panoli’s arrest, before determining the appropriate course of action.
“We have issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and the DGP of West Bengal, directing them to ensure her safety, especially since she is now in judicial custody. Additionally, we have sought clarification from the Haryana government on whether all legal protocols were followed. Based on the responses, we will decide the next course of action,” Kanoongo added.
Complaint filed against complainant
A complaint has reportedly been registered against the 30-year-old Kolkata resident who filed the FIR against Panoli on May 14. Panoli, aged 22, was arrested on May 30.
