Rupali Ganguly slams West Bengal police over Sharmistha Panoli's arrest, questions her treatment in custody; here's what we know
Actor Rupali Ganguly, known for speaking up on social issues, expressed concern over the treatment of influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police. Ganguly responded to a lawyer's post detailing Sharmistha's health issues and custodial conditions.
Questions over custody conditions
Sharmistha's lawyer, Md Samimuddin, claimed that his client suffers from kidney stones and alleged that hygiene standards in custody were not being maintained. He also stated that Sharmistha was not being allowed to access newspapers or magazines. A court petition has reportedly been filed requesting basic rights for her.
Rupali's criticism of police
Responding to the lawyer's post, Ganguly questioned the role of the West Bengal Police, saying, 'Has West Bengal Police, so much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity?' She further asked, 'Why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a gangster?' She tagged the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), requesting them to step in.
Background of the arrest
Sharmistha Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on May 30. The arrest followed a video where she allegedly made communal remarks while replying to a post about Operation Sindoor. Following criticism, she deleted the post and issued an apology.
Has West Bengal Police, So much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity? why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a Gangster? I Request @NCWIndia & @India_NHRC to intervene in this matter#sharmistha https://t.co/ASfD6MGlQD
Apology issued
In a post on X, Sharmistha wrote, 'I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody... Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies.'
Police response to allegations
Following criticism of the arrest being termed 'unlawful', Kolkata Police reportedly stated that due legal procedures were followed during the arrest. Sharmistha remains in judicial custody until June 13.
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