Hate speech case: Man who complained against Sharmistha Panoli held
The Times of IndiaMonday, June 9, 2025 at 3:58:07 PM
Wazahat Khan Qadri, the man who previously filed a complaint against Instagram influencer Sharmistha Panoli, has now been arrested by Kolkata Police. The arrest follows FIRs (police complaints) lodged by BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and Sanjukta Samanta, accusing Qadri of making communal remarks on social media. Qadri faces multiple complaints, including one with the cyber cell, while his father insists the arrest is politically motivated and denies any religious bias.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another social media spat—it’s a high-stakes clash involving free speech, legal action, and political undertones. With both sides accusing each other of bias, the case highlights how online disputes can quickly escalate into real-world consequences, especially when politics and religion enter the mix. It also raises questions about how authorities handle hate speech complaints and whether the process is being weaponized.
— Curated via WP Now’s
