In a dramatic twist to the social media controversy involving law student and influencer Sharmishta Panoli, the very man who filed the initial complaint against her, Wajahat Khan, has been arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly spreading hate speech and derogatory remarks targeting Hindu beliefs. Both sides now face legal scrutiny as the case takes a communal turn.
From Complainant to Accused: Wajahat Khan Faces Hate Speech Charges
In an unexpected development, Wajahat Khan, the man whose complaint led to the arrest of social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, has himself been taken into custody by the Kolkata Police. Khan was arrested on Monday after evading authorities since June 1, despite being served multiple summons at his residence in Garden Reach.
Khan is accused of spreading hate speech and hurting religious sentiments through social media posts that reportedly targeted Hindu deities and communities with inflammatory and sexually explicit language. An FIR had been registered at the Golf Green Police Station, prompting a citywide search. Police sources say three notices were issued for Khan to appear for questioning. After days of evasion, he was finally nabbed following raids across Kolkata.
FCRF x CERT-In Roll Out National Cyber Crisis Management Course to Prepare India’s Digital Defenders
Social Media Firestorm: Two Sides of the Same Coin
This incident follows the arrest of Sharmishta Panoli, a law student and vocal right-wing influencer, who had posted a controversial video criticising Muslim Bollywood celebrities for their silence over Operation Sindoor, a recent political operation in Kashmir. Her video, which included communal slurs, went viral and was eventually deleted after she issued a public apology.
Panoli was arrested on May 30 in Gurugram by a Kolkata Police team and later remanded to 14-day judicial custody. She has since been granted interim bail, with conditions that include a travel restriction and a security bond of ₹10,000.
Interestingly, Khan’s arrest stems from a counter-complaint lodged by the Shree Ram Swabhiman Parishad, accusing him of making offensive remarks like calling Hindus “urine drinkers” and referring to their culture as “rapist”. The complaint demands action under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
Free Speech or Provocation?
This double-arrest scenario has reignited debates about the boundaries of free speech, religious tolerance, and cyber accountability. While Panoli’s supporters claim she is being punished for political views, Khan’s critics argue he was using derogatory hate rhetoric under the guise of activism. The Kolkata Police has refused to disclose further information about Khan’s interrogation, citing ongoing investigation and communal sensitivity.
Meanwhile, Khan’s family alleges intimidation and threats. His father, Saadat Khan, claimed the family received calls blaming them for ruining Panoli’s life after her arrest, suggesting an atmosphere of growing polarization and intimidation.
Both Panoli and Khan now find themselves at the center of a broader ideological war being fought online, a cautionary tale in the age of viral outrage, algorithm-driven discourse, and weaponized identity politics.
About the author – Prakriti Jha is a student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, currently pursuing B.Sc. LL.B (Hons.) with a keen interest in the intersection of law and data science. She is passionate about exploring how legal frameworks adapt to the evolving challenges of technology and justice.